Mainline Widening Construction Activities
Current Activities: Summer 2023
- Bridge construction over Kumry Road, Schmoutz Creek, Unami Creek, Ridge Valley Creek, Molasses Creek
- Excavation
- Embankment construction
- Drainage basin construction (12)
August 4, 2023 – Stage 2 construction continues in the northbound and southbound shoulder areas on the project to widen and reconstruct the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension (I-476) from Milepost A38 to A44 approaching the Quakertown Interchange in Montgomery and Bucks counties.
Excavation and installation of stormwater drainage continue (see below) for the construction of an additional lane and shoulders in each direction.
The outer sections of the new Turnpike bridges remain under construction over Kumry Road, Ridge Valley Creek, Schmoutz Creek, Molasses Creek, and the Unami Creek (see below).
Excavation and grading for a dozen Sediment Basins are also continuing across the project area.
Turnpike (I-476) Northeast Extension construction during this stage of the project is expected to take place Mondays through Fridays between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM through October 2024. No long-term lane restrictions are expected during this stage, but occasional nighttime lane closures will be required.
Motorists are advised to slow down to posted work-zone speed limits. The Turnpike is employing Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras across the work area to enhance worker safety.
The current contract is a continuation of the reconstruction and widening that was completed in 2021 between mileposts A 31, just north of the Lansdale Exit, and A 38, near the Clump Road overpass in Franconia Township. The Extension was widened and improved between the Mid-County Interchange and the Lansdale Interchange under an earlier contract that was completed in 2017.
The existing overhead bridges within the project corridor have been replaced to accommodate the current widening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeastern Extension from four to six lanes. The overhead bridges carrying Upper Ridge Road, Trumbauersville Road and Steinsburg Road over the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeastern Extension have been returned to service. Several photos documenting construction progress at each of these structures are provided below.