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Milepost A48-A53 Reconstruction - Improvements

Milepost A48-A53 Improvements
  • Overview
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Improvements

Total reconstruction projects aim to address crucial issues to ensure safer and more efficient roadways. These projects involve the complete replacement of the pavement structure, safety and drainage upgrades, and widening to improve capacity. Additionally, they include replacing all bridges in the project corridor to meet current design standards. 

The reconstruction also addresses maintenance challenges such as milling and paving, which previously required extensive roadwork and exposed workers to traffic risks. Increasing the roadway's capacity is particularly important in high-traffic areas near Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Northeast Extension approaching Allentown, where six lanes are needed to handle growing traffic demands. Completing this corridor with three lanes in each direction will eliminate bottlenecks and enhance the overall flow of traffic. 

Project Benefits

Our projects are designed to bring significant improvements and benefits to the PA Turnpike. Each project aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and overall experience for all travelers. Below are the project benefits for this project:

Safety

Safety

Pavement

Pavement Condition

Capacity

Capacity

Corridor CompletionCorridor Completion

Overhead Bridge Reconstruction

Reconstructing overhead bridges is essential to make way for the widening of the PA Turnpike below, which will improve safety and road conditions.  See below for a list of both active and upcoming bridge reconstruction projects.

Indian Creek Road (SR 2018) Overhead Bridge (Milepost A52.30)

Indian Creek Rd Bridge Open 10292024
Oct 29 2024 – bridge opened to two-way traffic
Indian Creek Rd Bridge Open 10292024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge Open 10292024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd Bridge 07-03-2024
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd
Indian Creek Rd

Indian Creek Road Bridge (Milepost A52.30) was reconstructed in two stages beginning in March 2023 so that local traffic could be maintained. Stage 1 carried traffic onto the new northern half by mid-2024; by October 29, 2024 the full structure reopened with two-way travel. Only punch-list work—patching, slope stabilization, and a final wearing course—remains and will be completed under short single-lane closures through spring 2025. Once finished, the bridge will be ready for the Turnpike mainline widening scheduled to start in 2028.

Learn More

Vera Cruz Road (SR 2027) Overhead Bridge (Milepost A49.67)

Vera Cruz Bridge – New Deck
Summer 2023 – final bridge deck placed
Vera Cruz Bridge – Completed
Fall 2023 – structure and approaches completed

Vera Cruz Road Bridge (Milepost A49.67) was fully replaced in 2023 to meet future Turnpike widening requirements. The project removed the original steel I‑beam bridge and constructed a single‑span prestressed concrete girder structure with a wider roadway and upgraded safety features. All work—including approach paving, guiderail, and pavement markings—was completed by late 2023, and the bridge is now open with no additional lane restrictions anticipated.

Roadway Reconstruction & Widening

Below is a Typical Section graphic showing the configuration before and after a total reconstruction and widening project.

At project completion, the new roadway will accommodate three travel lanes in each direction, a 26-foot median, and 12-foot outside shoulders.

Typical Section Graphic

Turnpike TV Videos

Check out Turnpike TV, the PA Turnpike’s video series highlighting our projects, daily operations, and team members. Watch below and visit our Turnpike TV page for the full series.

Total Reconstruction Video

Total Reconstruction

Right of Way Video

Right of Way

Final Design Video

Final Design

Noise Walls Video

Noise Walls

Improvements FAQs

How is the PA Turnpike minimizing environmental impacts?

The PA Turnpike is making every effort to minimize impacts to streams, wetlands, water quality, earth disturbance, parks and stormwater runoff in coordination with the Lehigh County Conservation District, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The PA DEP requires compliance with Chapter 102 regarding erosion and sedimentation control and Chapter 105 regarding impacts to wetlands and streams in coordination with the USACE for the Section 404 Permit. In addition, the PA Turnpike is working through the USACE and Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office to minimize project impacts on cultural resources.

Will there be any detours?

Local roads will remain open to traffic during construction, but will occasionally be reduced to one lane, or closed for short periods. These short-term impacts are required to facilitate construction and ensure the safety of commuters. All traffic changes will be coordinated with the local municipalities and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Join the mailing list for email updates.

Will noise walls be constructed?

The PA Turnpike has completed the field measurements and is finalizing a noise analysis. The potential locations eligible for abatement will be identified in a final design noise report that will be posted on this website. Localized community meetings will be conducted in eligible neighborhoods, specifically to discuss interest in having the proposed noise wall constructed. Property owners will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and also to discuss the texture and color of the wall facing each neighborhood.

Please watch our Noise Wall video to learn more about how the PA Turnpike determines where sound barriers will be located. 

When will right of way acquisition begin?

Coordination with impacted property owners will begin in the summer of 2024 and continue through 2027.

More Project Resources

Overview

Learn about this construction project.

Learn More

News

Learn the latest news about this project.

Stay Updated

Improvements

Learn about project improvements.

Learn More

Contact

Meet the team for this project.

Contact Team

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