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Milepost A53-A57 Reconstruction - Improvements

Milepost A53-A57 Northeast Extension 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 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.

Tilghman Street Overhead Bridge (Milepost A57.06)

Staged Construction in Progress

Construction began in August 2023 and will be completed in stages to allow the bridge to remain open to traffic during construction. The plan is available for review.

  • Stage One Complete
  • The Contractor completed construction of the northern portion of the bridge and roadway, and traffic was shifted to the new structure in November. Traffic through the project will continue to be maintained using a travel lane in each direction and a center turning lane.
  • Stage Two Complete
  • The Contractor has removed the remaining portion of the structure, including all existing bridge beams, and the substructure.
  • A final wearing course and overlay was placed on the roadway and bridge deck following completion of the structure in late 2025. 
  • Stage Three Underway
  • At this time, the Contractor anticipates traffic on Tilghman Street to be in final configuration in early December, with earthwork to continue into the winter.
  • All final mainline and Tilghman Street paving will be performed in spring 2026.
  • Commuters should anticipate construction activities and minor delays as the new bridge is constructed. A blend of day and nighttime work should be expected.

The PA Turnpike will coordinate closely with PennDOT and local municipalities as construction progresses. The goal is not to disrupt local traffic if possible.

Construction Progress Photos

 

Tilghman Street BridgeTilghman Bridge ConstructionTilghman St – Dec 2024 (Pic 4)Tilghman St – Dec 2024 (Pic 1)Tilghman St – Dec 2024 (Pic 3)Tilghman St – Dec 2024 (Pic 2)Tilghman Street Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 4)Tilghman Street Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 1)Tilghman Street Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 5)Tilghman Plan – Dec 2023 (X2)Tilghman Plan – Dec 2023 (X)Tilghman St Bridge – 01 Jan 2024Tilghman Bridge Construction – Pic 6Tilghman Bridge Construction – Pic 4Tilghman Bridge Construction – Pic 8

Lower Macungie Road Overhead Bridge (Milepost A53.38)

Staged Construction in Progress

Construction began in October 2024 with stage two underway. The work updates include:

  • Lower Macungie Road is now open to traffic.
  • Little Spur Road's detour will continue until late November, to complete the build-up and tie-in of Little Spur to Lower Macungie Road. 
  • The plan is available for review.

The PA Turnpike will coordinate closely with PennDOT and local municipalities as construction progresses. The goal is not to disrupt local traffic if possible.

Construction Progress Photos

A1 & A2 Construction Progress – 04 Dec 2024Lower Macungie Rd Looking East – 04 Dec 2024Lower Macungie Rd Looking West – 04 Dec 2024

East Texas Road Overhead Bridge (Milepost A54.29)

  • Final design plans available for review
  • Design Progress: 75% Complete

I-78 Overhead Bridge (Milepost A56.18)

  • Design Progress: 75% complete by the end of November
  • Final design plan available for review
  • NPDES permit application has been submitted
  • Design Team has coordinated with Lehigh County Authority because of the proximity of Schantz Spring
  • Bridge Foundation Report has been prepared
  • Coordination with PennDOT continues

Hamilton Boulevard Overhead Bridge (Milepost A55.31)

    • Design Progress: 60% design has been completed. Progressing toward 75%
    • Bridge Foundation Report has been prepared
    • Commission has coordinated with Lower Macungie Township related to the sidewalk on the proposed bridge. A five-foot sidewalk will be provided.

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.

I476 Existing and Proposed Typical Section

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

Documents

Explore our additional project documents for more information.

Future Detours - Proposed

A Work Zone Traffic Control Analysis was completed in conformance with PennDOT’s Traffic Engineering Manual, Publication 46, March 2013 Edition. The report includes analyses to identify anticipated delays that may result in detours during construction. See the project schedule below for the estimated construction start dates. The following detours are anticipated: 

  • The East Texas Road Bridge Replacement (T.R. 471), which crosses over the PA Turnpike at MP A54.29, will be reconstructed, resulting in a detour of traffic along East Texas Road and Hidden Valley Road. For more details, please review the second page of the design plan exhibit.
  • The Hamilton Boulevard Bridge Replacement (SR 0222), which crosses over the PA Turnpike at MP A55.31, will be reconstructed, resulting in a westbound, eastbound, or full westbound/eastbound detour of traffic along Hamilton Boulevard.

Detours will be further refined and coordinated with the municipalities and PennDOT District 5-0.

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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