Resolution 080363

..Title Recognizing and thanking PennDOT for responding quickly to a cracked support column under I-95 between Ann and Cambria Streets. ..Body WHEREAS, North and Southbound lanes on I-95 were closed just before midnight on Monday, March 17th after a bridge inspector discovered a large crack in a highway support column; and WHEREAS, The two mile closure affected the Northbound lanes from Girard to Castor Avenues and the Southbound lanes from the Betsy Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue exit to Girard Avenue; and WHEREAS, Inspectors first noticed the crack in October 2007, which measured a half-inch wide and 4-feet long. The crack was scheduled to be repaired later this year; and WHEREAS, The cause of the crack can be attributed to salt and water seeping in and freezing during the winter months; and WHEREAS, Governor Rendell commented, "I applaud the efforts of PennDOT and all of its partners who responded so quickly to this monumental challenge. This corridor is crucial to the economic wellbeing of the region"; and WHEREAS, The section of I-95, supported by the cracked column, was built in the 1960s and carries approximately 190,000 vehicles a day; and WHEREAS, The North and Southbound lanes of I-95 were reopened just before the morning commute on Thursday, March 20th; and WHEREAS, PennDOT reported that eight steel plates were installed around the cracked column to provide the support necessary to reopen the interstate; and WHEREAS, PennDOT's Gene Blaum stated, "While this work has been going on, engineers with the department have been continuing to analyze the design and review the calculations and determined that additional support would be necessary in those particular areas and that's a measure that we want to take to ensure the safety"; and WHEREAS, Prior to reopening the highway, PennDOT conduced a stress test on the repaired section of the roadway with maintenance trucks; and WHEREAS, PennDOT workers and the others that assisted with this repair worked through the nights to ensure that this portion of I-95 reopened as quickly as possible while ensuring public safety; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize and thank PennDOT for responding quickly to a cracked support column under I-95 between Ann and Cambria Streets. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to PennDOT as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. ..End