Geotechnical Testing

January 11, 2008

Contact: William J. Capone, Director Communications & Public Relations
717.939.9551, Ext. 3040

Geotechnical Testing to Begin Next Week on Milepost 320-326 Project

Harrisburg, Pa.—The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today announced plans to initiate geotechnical investigations within the project area encompassing the six-mile stretch of turnpike roadway targeted for widening in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion Townships. Drilling soil borings for stormwater management basins, bridges, retaining walls and noise barriers could begin as early as January 14, weather permitting. Once the drilling gets underway, it is anticipated that the fieldwork will last for approximately six months.

The soil borings will be analyzed to help the commission determine if the proposed stormwater management facilities will function properly. The test results will also be used by the engineers in the final design of bridges, retaining walls and noise barriers. The majority of the test sites are within Turnpike Right-of-Way and individual property owners will be notified of any impacts to their respective properties.

“After coordination with the regulatory agencies and Tredyffrin Township, the proposed roadway engineering design plans - including noise barriers, retaining walls, and stormwater management facilities - will be presented to the public at a plans display to be held in April 2008 in the project area,” stated Kevin Scheurich, Project Manager for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

This six-mile full-depth total reconstruction and widening project entails the conversion of the existing four-lane roadway with a 10-foot median to a six-lane facility with three 12-foot travel lanes east and westbound, a 26-foot median, and 12-foot shoulders. It also includes the replacement of two overhead bridges, seven mainline bridges, lengthening of culverts, and the construction of stormwater management facilities and other drainage improvements at various locations throughout the project limits. The final design phase of this project is targeted for completion in 2010. The project encompasses six miles of I-76 located from Milepost 320 (Future Rt. 29 slip ramps) to Milepost 326 (Valley Forge Interchange) in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion Townships, Chester and Montgomery Counties, respectively.

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