District 6 Accomplishments

U.S. 422 Reconstruction & Improvement Project

Since work began in late 2023, PennDOT's contractor has been clearing and excavating the shoulder area on an $83.6 million Section M1B contract to reconstruct and improve approximately 2.1 miles of U.S. 422 and replace two bridges between the Sanatoga Interchange and Porter Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County.

As shoulder areas are excavated, crews are installing pipes and inlets for the project's new stormwater drainage system and building two drainage detention basins within the right of way.

Construction got underway in early spring to replace the U.S. 422 bridge over Sanatoga Road and Sanatoga Creek, to be followed this spring by the start of work on the new bridge over Porter Road and Sprogels Run (the existing culvert will be removed, and the new bridge will span Porter Road and Sprogels Run). The outer sections of the two structures will be built first. When finished, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge sections while the middle portions are built during the next stage of the project.

Excavation has also started for reconstruction of the existing on-ramp to westbound U.S. 422 from southbound Evergreen Road at the Sanatoga Interchange.

Installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components — electronic message signs, and traffic cameras — included in the project also is underway on roadways that feed traffic onto U.S.422 and adjacent arterials at various locations. ITS work this spring finds crews working on Route 23 in Chester County in the Spring City, Phoenixville and Valley Forge areas.

Motorists will encounter regular off-peak daytime and overnight lane closures during the current stage of the project.

Cost: $83.6 million

County: Montgomery

Completion date: Late 2028

U.S. 1 Bucks County Widening & Improvement Project

Construction continues on three new replacement bridges that are part of the roadway improvements under the $115.2 million project to widen and improve U.S. 1 in Bensalem and Middletown townships, Bucks County.

New structures over the Neshaminy Creek, the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange and adjacent rail lines, and Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy Exit remain in various stages of completion.

Crews at the Neshaminy Creek Bridge built abutments and center piers for the new northbound bridge over the creek. The new southbound bridge over the creek was finished in mid-2023 and is now carrying four lanes of northbound and southbound traffic through the work area.

North of the creek, deck construction is ongoing on the new southbound bridge over the interchange while four lanes of traffic use the new northbound bridge that finished last spring.

Construction also continues at the southbound U.S. 1 bridge over Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy exit south of the creek. The new northbound bridge at this interchange also finished last summer.

Section RC2 is part two of PennDOT's three-phase project to improve four miles of U.S. 1 in Bucks County by reconstructing and widening the pavement, building several bridges, and improving several interchanges along a continuous three-mile section of highway in Bensalem and Middletown townships.

Cost: $115.2 million

County: Bucks

Completion date: Mid-2026

U.S. 202 Markley Street/Elm Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Bridge rehabilitation is getting underway in mid-April on a $7.8 million project to restore the Markley Street/Elm Street stone arch bridge over Stony Creek in Norristown, Montgomery County, to ensure a safe and efficient crossing for the traveling public.

This project follows the completion of Sections 510 (2022) and 530 (2021), which reconstructed Markley Street and constructed the Barbadoes Street connector, respectively.

Beginning Monday, April 15, through April 2025, Markley Street will be closed between Marshall Street and Spruce Street/Harding Boulevard and Elm Street will be closed between Astor Street and Swede Street. During the closure, vehicles, pedestrians, and trucks are directed to follow the posted detour routes.

In addition, SEPTA's Elm Street Station parking lot for the regional rail line is located adjacent to the bridge and work zone. Once the closures begin, motorists traveling northbound on Markley Street and eastbound on Elm Street will continue to have access to the parking lot. Motorists traveling southbound on Markley Street and westbound on Elm Street will be directed to use the posted detour to gain access.

Under this project, PennDOT's contractor is rehabilitating the 123-foot-wide structure by replacing the existing stone barriers with concrete core barriers, while using the bridge's salvaged stone for the facing. Other improvements include repairing the stone masonry and arch; repointing mortar joints; installing scour protection; removing soil cover and backfilling with lightweight concrete fill; and installing a brown painted guiderail on the Markley Street approaches.

To enhance pedestrian safety and traffic flow, Markley Street will be reconstructed and widened at the bridge approaches and pavement adjustments will enhance the locally owned Elm Street. In addition, upgraded traffic signals, ADA curb ramps, pavement markings, and new signage will be installed.

Built in 1878, and carrying approximately 24,993 vehicles a day, the Markley Street/ Elm Street bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation of the structure will be conducted in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the PennDOT Stone Arch Bridge Maintenance Manual.

Cost: $7.7 million

County: Montgomery

Completion date: Spring 2025