By Diane M. Cooper

Later this year, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will begin construction of a multi-million dollar modernization project on a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike located between the Valley Forge (Exit #24) and Norristown (Exit #25) Interchanges in Montgomery County. Originally opened to motorists in 1954, this critical link bears the highest traffic volume of any four-lane section of the Turnpike. It carrys approximately 50,000 vehicles daily. Furthermore, a recent study conducted by Gannett-Fleming forecasts that traffic along this corridor will increase dramatically by 2020.
        To accommodate future traffic demands and provide a safer, more comfortable and convenient highway for Turnpike travelers in the Philadelphia area, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plans to widen and rehabilitate the stretch of roadway from the Flint Hill Road Overpass in Swedesburg (east of the Valley Forge Interchange, milepost 330.24) to the Ridge Pike Overpass in Plymouth Township (west of the Norristown Interchange, milepost 332.11). Known as the "Schuylkill River Bridge/Diamond Run Viaduct Project," this major endeavor is anticipated to begin this fall and continue through the fall of 1999.
        "Traffic volumes have been steadily increasing in the Philadelphia area," said Turnpike Executive Director John T. Durbin. "These improvements are vital to reducing congestion and improving mobility through this corridor."
        According to Turnpike engineers, the most critical and significant portion of this project will involve the construction of a new 1,224-foot bridge over the Schuylkill River immediately adjacent to the south side of the existing bridge. Other key aspects of the project include: rehabilitation of the existing Schuylkill River Bridge; demolition and replacement of the Diamond Run Viaduct Bridge with two new structures separated by an embankment; and widening of the roadway within the project limits to accommodate the future need for three travel lanes in each direction.
        Upon completion of the project, the new Schuylkill River Bridge will carry eastbound traffic, and the existing, improved bridge will carry westbound traffic. Initially, there will be two travel lanes in each direction. However, the bridges will be built to accommodate additional lanes in each direction when traffic volumes eventually require a six-lane highway from Norristown to Valley Forge. In an attempt to minimize disruptions and keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely through the construction zone, four lanes of traffic will remain open during construction with a limited need for single-lane closures during off-peak hours. Motorists traveling on the heavily used expressway, however, are advised to allow extra time when driving through the construction area, especially during peak travel times. Motorists can expect to encounter conditions common to major road construction projects such as changing traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, intermittent traffic stoppages, rubbernecking, and narrow driving lanes.
        To assist and keep commuters, businesses, and local organizations informed about construction plans and traffic impacts, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will provide information to media, traffic advisory services and radio stations prior to and during construction activities. In addition, a state-of-the-art Advanced Traveler Information System, including variable message signs and highway advisory radio sites, will be strategically located within the Philadelphia area to provide up-to-date construction and traffic information. "Our goal is to provide motorists with accurate information regarding construction and traffic conditions in a timely and efficient manner," said Durbin. "Providing travelers with information in advance is an important and necessary component of our customer service program."
        Highway advisory radio sites will be located at the Downingtown Interchange, Valley Forge Service Plaza, Mid County Interchange, Willow Grove Interchange and Lansdale Interchange. Variable message signs will be installed on the east-west mainline in advance of the Valley Forge and Mid County Interchanges and on the Northeastern Extension in advance of the junction with the mainline. These systems will be in-place and operational prior to the beginning of the construction work.
        Due to the project's duration and traffic volume in the project area, incident management strategies have been developed by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and will be utilized during construction to improve traffic flow and to aid in the reduction of incident detection, verification and response time. The various strategies include, but are not limited to: emergency pull-off areas located within the project limits, one eastbound and one westbound; emergency call boxes available at the emergency pull-off areas to give distressed or disabled motorists an instant link to the Commission's Communication Center; free emergency cellular (*11) telephone service; and traffic patrols conducted during peak travel times by members of the Commission's Safety and Maintenance Departments as well as the Pennsylvania State Police.
        The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to providing its customers with a safe, reliable, and valued toll road system. This major undertaking, which is estimated to cost $40 million, will be a significant improvement within the Philadelphia area. It will give motorists and the region a new Turnpike capable of meeting the demands of the 21st Century.

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