I-476 Active Traffic Management Projects
Overview
The first project is the I-476 Section ATC project, will implement Active Traffic Management strategies including variable speed limit and queue detection systems to better manage congestion and improve safety along approximately 14.1 miles of Interstate 476 including at the I-476/I-95 interchange. The limits of the project on I-476 are from the I-95 Interchange on the south end to just north of the Exit 13 SR 30 Lancaster Avenue Interchange on the north end.
The proposed roadside equipment will be connected to the Regional Traffic Management Center through the existing fiber optic communication system established within the project limits. All facilities will be installed in existing PennDOT Legal Right-of-Way.
The second project will be constructed starting in 2026. It is the I-476 Section HSR project which will provide operational improvements on I-476 between the Route 3 and I-95 interchanges, and on I-95 between the I-476 and U.S. 322 interchanges. This project will provide a series of measures that will allow for the dynamic management of recurrent congestion based on prevailing and predicted traffic conditions. Specifically, the inside shoulders of I-476 will be expanded to allow for these shoulders to be opened/closed on a temporary basis in response to congestion or incidents. Additionally, adaptive ramp metering will be used to dynamically adjust signals at the ramp entrances to proactively manage vehicle flow from on ramps.
The work will likely include: upgrade of existing roadway shoulders to a consistent width and pavement thickness, relocation of drainage inlets in some shoulders, traffic signal modifications at interchanges, construction of gantries for signs and ITS devices, removal or upgrade of existing ramp metering devices, construction of emergency pull off areas, and providing better access for emergency responders to enter and exit the highway(s) during incidents.