Commuters in Philadelphia are all too familiar with the frustration of traffic congestion, especially during the morning rush.
With cones dotting the landscape and ramp closures in place, many find themselves questioning the reasons behind the roadwork.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has shed light on the situation – Philadelphia County is currently home to 48 ongoing construction projects, with an additional 13 expected to commence as of mid-July.
In an effort to alleviate daily traffic snarls and improve overall safety, several significant projects are approaching completion.
Here are three major PennDOT projects in the area that are set to wrap up soon, potentially impacting local commutes and neighborhoods.
**Lincoln Highway and Rockhill Drive Improvements**
Originally designed in 2018, the substantial roadway enhancement project along U.S. Route 1 is expected to finish in the coming months.
This initiative aims to upgrade U.S. 1 from just north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange to the Penndel Interchange.
Key improvements include the addition of a third travel lane in both directions, along with auxiliary lanes between interchanges to alleviate congestion and enhance traffic flow.
Moreover, the median is being widened to provide a minimum 12-foot-wide inside shoulder.
Part of the upgrade involves raising the roadway between the Turnpike and the Neshaminy interchange to improve vertical clearance over Rockhill Drive (State Route 2044), along with the addition of auxiliary lanes in each direction.
Other essential aspects of the project include the realignment of U.S. 1 southbound over Neshaminy Creek, as well as U.S. 1 northbound over Business Route 1, the CSX rail line, and SEPTA tracks.
Enhancements to Rockhill Drive will provide new turn lanes in both directions and add sidewalks along the eastbound and westbound lanes to promote pedestrian accessibility.
At the Neshaminy Interchange, several ramp alterations include relocating the ramp from Rockhill Drive to U.S. 1 northbound.
Ramp geometries will be adjusted to align with current design standards, improving traffic flow into Neshaminy Mall and the Horizon Corporate Center.
Additionally, the northbound and southbound exits to Rockhill Drive will be upgraded to include two-lane ramps with improved geometry.
To streamline movement, a signalized intersection located west of the Neshaminy Mall entrance will be removed.
Improvements at the Penndel interchange (State Route 8067) will include enhanced ramp configurations and extended acceleration and deceleration lanes to comply with modern design standards.
**Sumneytown Pike Connector Enhancements**
Initiated in 2021, the Sumneytown Pike Connector project is anticipated to reach completion by Fall 2025, impacting Hatfield and Franconia townships.
This project integrates Intelligent Transportation System technology, which employs sensors to gather traffic and roadway data aimed at improving safety and optimizing travel routes.
Moreover, the improvements entail a new, 2.3-mile roadway alignment stretching from Allentown Road to Cowpath Road, alongside the reconstruction of Township Line Road from Cowpath Road to Hatfield/Souderton Pike.
The plans also include the introduction of five new signalized intersections and a 1.5-mile multi-use trail, promoting safer and more versatile travel options for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
To help mitigate noise for residents in the vicinity, six sound walls are scheduled for construction between Elroy Road and Cowpath Road.
Additionally, the southbound I-476 on-ramp will be expanded to two lanes, with a separate left-turn-only lane added for motorists on Route 63 (Sumneytown Pike) accessing a new slip ramp to southbound I-476.
**I-76 and Bridge Resurfacing**
For those who have driven through Philadelphia this summer, the high-profile I-76 resurfacing project has likely come to their attention.
With an investment of $37.9 million, this undertaking involves resurfacing and repairing nearly five miles of the Schuylkill Expressway and maintaining more than 20 bridges in Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township.
The completion of this resurfacing work is projected for Fall 2025.
To minimize traffic disruptions, much of the work has been executed during the night.
The core of the project focuses on smoothing out the roadway along I-76.
Various ramps connecting eastbound and westbound I-76 to Girard Avenue, Montgomery Drive, and Spring Garden Street have already been resurfaced.
Additional elements of this project encompass barrier repairs, sign installations, line striping, and drainage upgrades.
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