Construction crews began working on the $6.6 million Valley Forge Interchange expansion project in early March 2000, and work was wrapped up by November. Improvements included widening the interchange to provide four additional lanes. Prior to the expansion, there were 13 lanes (four entry and nine exit); today, the plaza has a total of 17 toll lanes including six entry lanes and 11 exit lanes.

Additional Interchange work included the installation of E-ZPass equipment in two exit and two entry lanes, 12 refurbished islands, new concrete pavement for the entire plaza, 1,500 feet of concrete barrier, new electrical services, new lighting, an extended canopy and new signs including E-ZPass signs.

More than 55,000 vehicles a day use the Valley Forge Interchange, the third busiest on the Turnpike that connects State Route 202 and I-76 in King of Prussia, Montgomery County. By comparison, the Turnpike’s most heavily used Interchange, Mid-County (exit 25A) — which links the Blue Route (I-476) with the Turnpike’s mainline and Northeast Extension (I-476) — also has 17 lanes and handles an average daily volume of nearly 62,000 vehicles.

When the Valley Forge Interchange opened in 1950, farmland and open space surrounded it. Over the years, the area experienced an explosion of residential, commercial and industrial growth. This development has contributed to congestion on the Turnpike, Route 202, I-76 and on local roads. During rush hours, backlogs and delays at interchanges have become a fact of life.

"We recognize the traffic congestion crisis in the region," said Turnpike Executive Director John Durbin. "And we are committed to making improvements on the Turnpike to accommodate our customers and improve daily traffic flow."

Expanding the Valley Forge Interchange, the future widening of the Turnpike between Valley Forge and Norristown to six lanes, slip ramps east of Fort Washington, and the launching of E-ZPass are all elements of the Turnpike’s strategy to alleviate congestion, promote mobility and improve safety.

Land needed to expand the Interchange was acquired under a memo of understanding between the Turnpike Commission and Lockeed Martin Inc., whose local corporate offices are adjacent to the Interchange. Lockeed Martin provided the Commission with 2 ½ acres of land adjacent to the toll plaza, in return the Turnpike Commission made improvements to an existing ramp out of Lockeed’s parking lot and provided direct access onto the Turnpike.

Neshaminy Constructors Inc. of Feasterville, Pa., was responsible for design and construction of the expansion. Neshaminy subcontracted STV Inc. of Douglasville, Pa. for the design. Urban Engineers, Philadelphia, provided quality assurance.