Question: I travel Interstate 71 and see a blue road sign near mile marker 48 southbound that reads ""Road Test.” What is or what was this test? Did it pass or fail? - Daniel Ringel, Hamilton

        Answer: The 500-foot-long section of highway is part of the federal government's Strategic Highway Research Program. This section has been monitored since 1987 and will continue to be watched until the pavement breaks down, said Kim Patton, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation. There are 10 such pavement tests in Ohio and hundreds nationwide. The tests are geared to assess the durability of different types of pavement under varying weather and climatic conditions to increase the life span of interstate highway surfaces, she said.

        The test section on I-71 has a concrete base topped by 9 inches of asphalt below a 9-inch overlay of concrete. Mrs. Patton said. It is holding up well. The tests may affect highway construction specifications required by the state and federal government when interstate reconstruction contracts are advertised for contractor bids.

        Q. Westbound on Columbia Parkway at Delta Avenue there are two lanes available except in the morning, when a third lane is added when overhead signs change from red to green to permit it. Unfortunately, the change occurs at 6:30 a.m. when traffic is already lively and aggravated by Metro buses making pick-ups at the corner. Can the change be made earlier, like 6 or 5? - Ray Voegele, Anderson Township

        A. Cincinnati Traffic Engineer Steve Bailey authorized a traffic count between 6-6:30 a.m. and determined a change in the reversible lane to allow earlier use for inbound parkway traffic was unwarranted. A key problem arises because the timing of signals at access roads to Columbia Parkway would be adversely affected. Although Mr. Bailey said he agrees parkway traffic would be less congested, traffic using access roads would create more snarls, he said.

        You Asked For It answers questions about history, government, schools and roads. Call 381-2800 and enter 2002. E-mail wschaefer@enquirer.com. Include name, neighborhood and phone.
       

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