July 21, 2007
Elmwood Cycle Traps Fixed!


Penn DOT workers repair dangerous drain grates



In response to CRBC's request of last September, Penn DOT has repaired the dangerous
drain grates on Elmwood Avenue in Lemont (see article below). The photo above left
shows one of the grates before the repair. The photo at right, taken yesterday,
shows the same grate after the repair. CRBC wishes to thank Penn DOT ,
College Township, and the Centre Region Planning office for their help in
correcting these cycle traps.
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Cycle Traps:
Elmwood Street (SR)
College Township

Elmwood Street running from Lemont to College Ave. was recently repaved with
four inches of new apshalt. Before the repaving, the manhole covers in the road
were carefully raised to the new surface level. Drain grates on the side of the road,
(where we ride), were not raised, and gaps between the grates and the curb were
not filled. Here, the gap was wide enough to swallow a front wheel clear to the hub.


The combination of the 4" drop with old diagonal bar grates creates a situation in
which a rider swerving suddenly to avoid the drop could catch a front wheel in the
grate. The grates shown here are on the westbound side going downhill toward
the bridge over Spring Creek.

Close-up showing the 4" drop from road surface to the grate

For comparison, here's a properly installed drain on First Avenue, also in Lemont.
These drains will not catch a bike wheel because they are flush with the street
surface and do not have wide gaps between the bars.

Elsewhere on First Avenue, repaving is being carried out properly. This new grate
has been raised to the finish surface level. Safety cones are in place until the final
layer of asphalt is laid.

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