Project Overview

Project Area

The Milepost 320 to Milepost 326 Project is located in the northeastern corner of Chester County between the Downingtown Interchange and the Valley Forge Interchange areas. Along this six-mile section, there are several notable features, including:

Valley Forge National Historical Park is located to the north of the Turnpike between Milepost 323 and Milepost 325. The Park commemorates more than the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation—it honors the ability of citizens and their leaders to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

Valley Creek flows in a northeast direction and beneath the Turnpike at Milepost 323 before joining the Schuylkill River. Valley Creek is an exceptional value watershed as determined by the PA Department of Environmental Protection and runs through Great Valley to Valley Forge Park and on to the Schuylkill River.

Trout Creek is an impaired watershed as determined by PA Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Water Resources Authority. Trout Creek flows northeast and beneath the Turnpike at Milepost 325 before joining the Schuylkill River. Impairments to the watershed include heavy erosion and sedimentation, poor water quality and flooding.

Residences and Businesses are located in close proximity to the right-of-way of the east and westbound travel lanes of the Turnpike throughout the project area. With numerous residential and commercial properties situated near the roadway, the Turnpike is conducting a noise study to determine where traffic noise impacts could occur in the future, and if so, what mitigation measures, such as noise walls may be warranted, feasible and reasonable. Mitigation measures will be identified and shared with the community, and as appropriate will be incorporated into the engineering plans during Final Design.

The Turnpike project area lies within Tredyffrin Township. Tredyffrin has a rich history that dates to the 17th Century when Welsh Quakers bought a vast tract of land from William Penn. Tredyffrin emerged as an incorporated township in 1707 as the larger tract was divided into nine townships. Tredyffrin is part of a regional economic hub of activity. Major roadways, airports, commuter railroads lines and freight lines have maximized the accessibility of Tredyffrin Township. The Turnpike Commission continues to work with the Board of Supervisors on the Milepost 320 to Milepost 326 Project.

A small portion of the project lies in Upper Merion Township, which is located at the eastern end of the project. The township has approximately 27,000 residents, hosts over 50,000 jobs, and offers over 9.5 million square feet of office space. Also located in Upper Merion are Valley Forge National Historic Park and the King of Prussia Mall, the nation's largest shopping mall (ranked by square footage of retail space).

All of these features are considered throughout the design phase of the project.