Milepost A53-A57 Reconstruction - Improvements

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

Pavement Condition

Capacity

Corridor 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 (MP 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 begun removal of the remaining portion of the structure, including removal of all existing bridge beams, and is progressing with removal of the substructure.
Bridge construction will begin when the removal process has been completed.
In early February 2024, PA Turnpike traffic was shifted outward, away from the median, to allow the new bridge median pier construction to begin. This traffic shift will remain in place until the Stage 2 portion of the bridge structure is completed.
Commuters should anticipate construction activities and minor delays as bridge demolition occurs and the proposed bridge is constructed. A blend of day and nighttime work should be expected.
A final wearing course and overlay will be placed on the roadway and bridge deck following completion of the structure in late 2025.

Stage Three Underway

The Contractor is currently placing rebar in the deck in preparation for the Stage 3 deck pour, which is anticipated to be performed at the end of October or Early November. At this time, the Contractor anticipates traffic on Tilghman Street to be in final configuration in early December, with earth work to continue into the winter. All final mainline and Tilghman Street paving will be performed in Spring 2026.

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 Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 4)

Tilghman Street Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 1)

Tilghman Street Bridge – 07 Jul 2024 (Pic 5)

Lower Macungie Road Overhead Bridge (MP A53.38)

East Texas Road Overhead Bridge (MP A54.29)

I-78 Overhead Bridge (MP A56.18)

Hamilton Boulevard Overhead Bridge (MP A55.31)

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.