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10/11/2023
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Milepost 312-316 Reconstruction
Construction and Extension
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Project Overview
Construction began in spring 2023 to widen and reconstruct four-plus miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the Downingtown Interchange (Milepost 312) east to the Valley Hill Road bridge (Milepost 316) in Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, West Pikeland, and Charlestown Townships in Chester County.
The existing four-lane roadway — with two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction, a 10-foot median, and 12-foot-wide outside shoulders — will be converted into a six-lane facility with three 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 26-foot median, and 12-foot-wide outside shoulders (See Typical Section image below).
Project Summary
This project includes the reconstruction and six-lane widening of the PA Turnpike (I-76) between mileposts 312 and 316.
Construction Start: Spring 2023
Construction Completion: 2027
Project Total: $214 million
General Contractor: Allan Myers, L.P.
Construction Manager: Hill International, Inc.
Design Consultant: AECOM
Construction is expected to take approximately four years to complete.
The project also includes the replacement of mainline bridges carrying the Turnpike over Upper Pine Creek Road and Conestoga Road/Route 401. In addition, several culverts passing under the Turnpike will be lengthened, sound barriers will be erected at certain locations, and extensive stormwater management facilities and other drainage improvements will be installed across the project area.
The Turnpike Commission completed a preliminary contract in late fall 2022 to clear trees and other vegetation from within the limits of their right-of-way in advance so as not to impact the construction schedule.
(Pennsylvania environmental regulations require that cutting-down trees greater than 4 inches in diameter must occur between November and March due to the presence of northern long-eared bats, considered an endangered species in this region.) The felled trees are being collected and turned into wood chips.
Bridges within the project limits carrying Bodine Road and Valley Hill Road (SR 1021) over the Turnpike were replaced with longer structures between 2010 and 2013 to provide room for Turnpike widening under this contract.
Construction between Mileposts 312 and 316 is the initial part of a larger Turnpike Commission initiative to widen and reconstruct eight miles of the Turnpike from the Downingtown Interchange at Route 100 east to the Route 29 Interchange in Chester County.
A second contract, which will reconstruct the highway from Mileposts 316-319, is currently in design and expected to go to construction as funding becomes available.
An additional project to widen the Turnpike eastward from Mileposts 324-326 approaching the Valley Forge Interchange is currently under construction.
These projects are funded entirely by Pennsylvania Turnpike toll revenue and have no federal funds or state tax dollars involved.
Design Details
This project involves a full-depth total reconstruction of four miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Upon completion, the existing four-lane roadway with a 10-foot median and 12-foot shoulder will be converted into a six-lane facility with three 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 26-foot median, and 12-foot shoulders.
This project also includes the replacement of three mainline bridges, lengthening of culverts, construction of sound barriers, and the construction of stormwater management facilities and other drainage improvements at various locations throughout the project limits.
