Section D30

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Project Description

This project will reconstruct and widen the PA Turnpike to three lanes in each direction from Bensalem Boulevard (Milepost 355) to the I-95 flyover connection in lower Bucks County.

D30 Construction Update: Summer 2024

Turnpike Widening, Bridge Construction Progressing at the New I-95 Interchange Complex

July 9, 2024 – Work to reconstruct and widen the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 276) continues this summer on the Turnpike Commission’s $64.2 million reconstruction project between Bensalem Boulevard and the new I-95 overhead ramp, including construction of a new wider bridge over Neshaminy Creek in Bristol and Bensalem townships.

The new roadway’s limits have taken shape, with new drainage basins being completed on both sides of the highway near the Neshaminy Creek. The majority of the bulk excavation for the new outer roadway sections has been completed and construction crews are installing the new stormwater drainage system for the new outside lanes.

Widening work is continuing on the westbound side as the drainage in the area is completed. Crews are excavating to the subgrades for the new lane and shoulder in preparation for placement of the new subbase and finished pavement set for later this summer.

Soundwall construction is in full swing along the eastbound roadway with new posts being placed across the project area with soundwall installation expected to begin in mid-summer.

Work on the outer sections of the new bridge over the Neshaminy Creek, which began in fall 2023, is progressing. Substructure work is continuing at both ends of the new bridge. Pile driving for the new foundations is expected to be completed in mid-summer.

Two piers have been completed within the waterway and construction of the final pier began in early July. Crews will be reconfiguring the rock causeway work platforms to access the remaining pier location. Bridge deck beams are expected to be placed in late summer.

New drainage features along Newportville Road are being constructed with the mainline drainage system for stormwater management on the Turnpike and the new bridge structure.  Two new access roads for the Turnpike are being constructed within the work zone in this area.

Limited travel impacts are expected on I-276 and Newportville Road as the work continues. Travel restrictions will be publicized in advance via Travel Advisories and will be issued to local media as needed.

Turnpike (I-276) Mainline construction is expected to take place Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. through mid-2026. No long-term lane restrictions are expected later during this stage, but occasional nighttime lane closures and traffic paces may occur.

Occasional travel restrictions and temporary road closures may be in place on surface roads in the vicinity of the new bridge.

D30 Construction Progress Photos

Project Schedule & Map

Section D30 construction began in fall 2023. With a three-year project duration, the estimated completion is the end of 2026. View more information on Section D30 here.

In spring 2023, Public Outreach regarding proposed noise walls throughout the Section D30 corridor took place. Additional information is detailed below.

*Click to enlarge images

Traffic Noise Resources

Noise Impact Analysis

A noise impact analysis report was prepared for the Section D30 corridor from Bensalem Boulevard (Milepost 355) to the Section D10/D20 flyovers (Milepost 356). This report describes the methodology and presents the findings of the traffic noise study conducted for the full-depth reconstruction project of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The full-depth reconstruction project will convert the existing four-lane roadway with a 10-foot median to a six-lane typical section with up to a 26-foot median. The purpose of the traffic noise study is (1) to determine if project-related noise impacts will occur and (2) to determine whether noise abatement for affected areas in the form of sound barriers or other mitigation measures would be warranted, feasible, and reasonable, based upon Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) criteria as utilized by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).

The Final Design Noise Analysis (FDNA) was to refine the Preliminary Engineering Noise Analysis (PENA) report, generated in 2006, with an emphasis on the areas affected by the Stage 2 project elements where noise barriers were determined to be warranted, feasible, and reasonable.  For those areas, the analysis assessed the effects of the traffic noise, considered and compared various barrier options, and developed acoustical profiles for recommended barriers.  Due to the more refined analysis conducted during the FDNA process, considerably more noise-sensitive receptors were analyzed during the FDNA than during the PENA. 

Noise impacts were evaluated by comparing the predicted noise levels with existing noise levels.  A noise impact was identified if the future (design year 2050) noise level was predicted to be equal or exceed 66bB(A), or if future noise levels within the project were predicted to cause a substantial increase (>10dB(A)) as compared to existing noise levels. 

Noise Impact Analysis Report

Recommended Sound Barrier Locations

This section provides access to the map (see image above) that shows recommended sound barrier locations throughout the Section D30 project area without having to download the entire Noise Analysis Report.

Community Involvement

On March 22, 2023, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission met with benefited property owners in the project area to determine whether or not they wanted a sound barrier and if so, the preferred color and texture of the barrier facing the community.

Benefited property owners are defined as those who will experience a five-decibel decrease or more in traffic noise levels with the installation of a noise barrier during the project’s design year (2050), as modeled in the Noise Impact Analysis Report. Property owners who were categorized as benefited were sent packages including a Section D30 Project Information/FAQ Sheet, a Section D30 project graphic, a Noise Community Meeting Newsletter, and a Noise Ballot. The ballot provided the recipients the opportunity to vote on the inclusion of a sound barrier and their preferences for the color and texture of the wall.

Voting Results

Fifty percent of the benefited property owners in the project area participated in the voting process. The detailed results of the vote are listed below: