Purpose of the Case Study Existing Infrastructure Associated With the Site Local Transportation Infrastructure Assessment Conclusions and Recommendations From the Assessment
The following is a discussion of conclusions from the local infrastructure assessment. As discussed in previous sections, the assessment included: condition assessment of an existing bridge structure (Ramp Street); condition assessment and design related to the pavement surface on Mifflin Road; and discussion of the current plans for increasing turning radii for the trucks on the local streets.
Based on the bridge inspection report (1994), current recommendations by Wilbur Smith Consultants, and visual inspection of the structure by the author, it was concluded that the Ramp Street Bridge structure is structurally capable and acceptable to handle the new traffic associated with the redevelopment of the Hays site. Improvements that will be made to the approaches of the bridge structure as related to improvements for increasing turning radii for the trucks on the local streets, will aid in correcting several of the deficiencies noted in the bridge inspection report.
After visual inspection of the Ramp street bridge by the author, major deficiencies as described in the Parsons Brinkerhoff Report, appear to be present, however, the severity of the deficiencies has not increased significantly since the last inspection of the bridge in 1994. However, some rehabilitation of the structure may be necessary if conditions worsen prior to its scheduled inspection by the Allegheny County Department of Engineering and Construction in 1997, as part of its bridge inspection program (according to NBIS guidelines).
Based on the results of the PAVER procedure which involved visual assessment of the pavement condition of Mifflin Road, the resulting rating "Very Poor" (PCI of 22) obtained though this method, suggests that the pavement surface of Mifflin Road is in need of repair. The PAVER manual suggests immediate maintenance. (Shahin, 1981) However, based on the results of the Asphalt Institute procedure, which involved pavement design thickness evaluation, and specifications and plans for Mifflin Road (Wilbur Smith Consultants, 1996) as shown in the cross section detail in Figure F-4 (See Appendix F), the resulting value for the design thickness of the asphalt surfacing (TA) for Mifflin Road of 4.5 inches, suggests that Mifflin Road is capable of supporting heavy truck traffic that will be using this road to access the Hays site once the plant is in operation.
Although, it is not in GalvTech's current plans for transportation infrastructure improvements at the site, repairs to Mifflin Road would most likely involve milling of the existing pavement surface (approximately 1 1/2" to 2") and resurfacing with new Bituminous Wearing Course. This maintenance will most likely be conducted in the future when additional funding is available.
Overall, the PAVER portion of the assessment procedure illustrates the idea that condition may not always be a true measure of performance. Many other factors must be taken into consideration when making decisions concerning the appropriate maintenance strategy and expected time to resurfacing of such a facility. The pavement condition index (PCI) and rating which are achieved through this method only serve as a tool for providing some indication of the condition of the pavement. More information is required to make decisions concerning the appropriate maintenance strategy and expected time to resurfacing. A major factor in a determining a maintenance strategy is funding. Although it is apparent that the pavement is not in ideal condition, it may not warrant maintenance at this time as suggested by GalvTech's current plans for local transportation infrastructure improvements. However, this observation concerning GalvTech's current improvement plans, may reflect the problem of having a limited amount of funds road maintenance at this time.
Based on information related to improvements in turning radii for the trucks on the local streets near the hays site was compiled from the GalvTech Site North and South Access Design documents and plans (Wilbur Smith Consultants, 1996), it appears that the majority of the work for the North and South Entrance components of the upcoming project will serve to provide improvements in turning radii for the trucks that will be delivering the steel to the plant once it becomes operational.
Overall, the North Entrance component of the project which involves Old Eighth Avenue, Mifflin Road, and Baldwin Street will provide the construction of a new entrance on property previously owned by the SandCastle Recreational Park and resurfacing of existing pavement surface on a major section of Baldwin Street approaching the SandCastle entrance will provide much needed improvements in the condition of the road structure. In addition, the work for the South Entrance component of the project which involves primarily Ramp Street and its intersections with Mifflin Road and Baldwin Street will provide the construction of new concrete pavement along the entire length of Ramp Street (including approach slabs for the bridge) and widening of the roadway intersections with Mifflin Road and Baldwin Street.