June 8, 2000

US 202 Widening And Reconstruction Progressing On Schedule; Work Underway To Build New Ramps At U.S. 422 & I-76

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (June 8, 2000) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is on schedule with construction to widen, reconstruct and improve U.S. Route 202 in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion townships.

Route 202 traffic remains in two lanes northbound and two lanes southbound on the northbound side of the highway from just south of U.S. Route 422 to North Valley Road, two miles north of the State Route 29/Great Valley Interchange. Construction on Route 202 is confined primarily to the southbound lanes for the remainder of the 2000 construction season.

Widening and reconstruction: North Valley Road to Old Eagle School Road

With all traffic running on the northbound side of Route 202, crews removed the old southbound concrete pavement and are presently building three new southbound lanes between North Valley and Old Eagle School roads. The new lanes are taking shape in layers.

Over the next several weeks, a leveled and compacted earthen subgrade will be established south to north within the work area. A four-inch layer of stone subbase is then placed atop the subgrade. A four-inch permeable base blacktop pavement will then be spread on top of the subbase.

Starting in mid-July, crews will begin placing a 13-inch concrete riding surface on the new southbound lanes.

Bridges and interchanges

Widening and reconstruction also continues on three bridges carrying southbound Route 202 over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road (PA 252) and West Valley Road.

In addition, PennDOT is currently lengthening and rebuilding the old southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard. A new ramp from Chesterbrook Boulevard to southbound Route 202 also is under construction.

With the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard closed for reconstruction, motorists normally exiting at Chesterbrook must continue to use the PA 252/Paoli ramp to Swedesford Road to reach Chesterbrook Boulevard. Last year, the boulevard was extended to connect with Swedesford Road.

Sound barriers

Crews are currently building sound barrier walls at three locations along southbound Route 202. Step one in this process is the drilling of concrete caissons to support the posts. Step two is erection of slotted posts – into which crews will slide the architecturally treated barrier wall panels later this summer. Sound barrier walls are currently being built at the following locations: ·adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet) ·near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet) ·near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

New ramps and interchanges

In early April, construction began on the second phase of the project, a $32 million contract to build a series of new ramps to improve access between Route 202, Route 422 and Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway).

Crews established a general work area on the east side of Route 202, with vegetation cleared and erosion and sedimentation controls put in place. Within that work area, crews are building one of the project’s key access ramps and related feeder roads. In late summer 2001, PennDOT will open the new ramp to take northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422 motorists directly onto eastbound I-76. This ramp also will be accessible from Devon Park Drive, which is presently under construction.

On Route 422, the eastbound and westbound shoulders are being widened at the interchange with Route 202 so they can carry traffic during upcoming operations in the median. This work is associated with major improvements being made at the interchange.

March 16, 2000

PennDOT To Start Second Year of US 202 Construction Thursday Night

King of Prussia, Pa - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will start the second year of construction Thursday night (March 16) to widen and improve five miles of US Route 202 in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, and Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

Under the $250 million project PennDOT is widening Route 202 from four lanes to six between the bridge over North Valley Road and Gulph Road; building new ramps at the Interstate 76, US Route 422 and Chesterbrook Boulevard interchanges, rebuiling bridges, and upgrading adjacent roads. Construction on this section of Route 202 will last until late 2003.

PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said cres will work at night on northbound Route 202 for the next three weeks to establich a new traffic pattern from just south of US Route 422 to North Valley Road. During this time, northobunf Route 202 motorists can expect to face single lane patterns Monday through Thursday nights from 9PM to 5AM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:01AM to 10AM. Southbound lane closures will occur at night later this month when crews relocate barriers.

Warren said crews will initially sweep shoulders and erase traffic lines on northbound Route 202 in preperation for painting new lines and setting concrete barriers to establish a two way pattern on that side of the highway.

PennDOT expects to shift two lanes of southbound Route 202 traffic over to the northbound side of the highway in early April. Then crews will begin to demolish the old pavement and build new southbound lanes.

This pattern, with Two northbound and two southbound travel lanes running on the northbound side of Route 202, will extend four miles and remain in effect until late October.

Roadwork on Route 202 will intensify this year as two or possibly three additional contracts move into construction. In 1999, only one contract was active on the highway.

PennDOT is improving this five mile section of Route 202, which carries between 70,000 and 105,000 vehicles a day between Paoli and King of Prussia, under four separate construction contrats.

"This year motorists will see more work taking place along Route 202 as we begin building new southbound lanes and interchange ramps," Warren added. "We urge motorists to allow extra travel time and suggest they use the new park and ride facilities that opened last year or take advantage of SEPTA's expanded services along the corridor."

Motorists are also advised that beginning tomorrow Route 202's speed limit will reduce to 45 miles per hour in the construction zone.

Besides rebuilding southbound Route 202, PennDOT this year will build several new ramps at Route 202's interchange at Route 422, Chesterbrook Boulevard and I-76; extend Devon Park Drive; redeck bridges over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road and West Valley Road; erect sound walls, and perform additional road and ramp work along the corridor.

PennDOT's contract contains a $30,000 a day incentive/disincentive clause for finishing this years work on Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to North Valley Road before October 31, 2000.

Warren also said PennDOT will move the historic King of Prussia Inn in August under a $1.6 million operation. Crews will relocate the Inn from the median of Route 202 at Gulph Road to Bill Smith Boulevard in Upper Merion Township.

Glasgow, Inc. of Glenside, Pa is the general contractor on the $57.5 million contract that covers Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road.

This spring, PennDOT will start construction on the second contract worth $32.1 million. This contract primarily consists of ramp construction at the Route 202/422 Interchange, extending Devon Park Drive, and building the new ramp to take eastbound Route 422 and northbound Route 202 traffic to eastbound I-76. Allan A. Meyers, Inc. of Worcester, Pa submitted the apparent low bid for this work.

The third contract, worth an estimated $85 million and covring Route 202 between Route 422 and Gulph Road, is expected to start in late 2000. The fourth contract, worth an estimated $30 million and covering I-76 road and ramp construction, will start in early 2001.

To mitigate trafic impacts during construction, PennDOT built and opened three park and ride lots last spring. Commuters may use the new park and rides at the interchanges of Route 202 and State Route 29 in East Whiteland Townships, Chester County; US Route 30 and Route 202 in East Whiteland Township; and Lewis Road and Route 422 in Limerick Township, Montgomery County.

Warren said customers can stay informed of Route 202 construction by calling the US 202 Hotline at 610-567-5678 and loggin onto the project web site at www.us202.com.

The Route 202 Improvement Project is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds. Treddyffrin Township will contribute $6 million to the project.
Back to top

March 15, 2000

PENNDOT TO START SECOND YEAR OF US 202 CONSTRUCTION THURSDAY NIGHT

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (March 15) - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will start the second year of construction Thursday night (March 16) to widen and improve five miles of U.S. Route 202 in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, and Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

Under the $250 million project. PennDOT is widening Route 202 from four lanes to six between the bridge over North Valley Road and Gulph Road; building new ramps at the Interstate 76, U.S. Route 422 and Chesterbrook Boulevard interchanges, rebuilding bridges, and upgrading adjacent roads. Construction on this section of Route 202 will last until late 2003.

PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said crews will work at night on northbound Route 202 for the next three weeks to establish a new traffic pattern from just south of U.S. Route 422 to North Valley Road. During this time, northbound Route 202 motorists can expect to face single-lane patterns Monday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m. Southbound lane closures will occur at night later this month when crews relocate barriers.

Warren said crews will initially sweep shoulders and erase traffic lines on northbound Route 202 in preparation for painting new lines and setting concrete barriers to establish a two-way traffic pattern on that side of the highway.

PennDOT expects to shift two lanes of southbound Route 202 traffic over to the northbound side of the highway in early April. Then crews will begin to demolish the old pavement and build new southbound lanes.

This pattern, with two northbound and two southbound travel lanes running on the northbound side of Route 202, will extend four miles and remain in effect until late October.
Roadwork on Route 202 will intensify this year as two or possibly three additional contracts move into construction. In 1999, only one contract was active on the highway.
PennDOT is improving this five-mile section of Route 202, which carries between 70,000 and 105,000 vehicles a day between/ Paoli and King of Prussia, under four separate construction contracts.
"This year motorists will see more work taking place along Route 202 as we begin building new southbound lanes and interchange ramps," Warren added. "We urge motorists to allow extra travel time and suggest they use the new park and ride facilities that opened last year or take advantage of SEPTA's expanded services along the corridor. "

Motorists are also advised that beginning tomorrow Route 202's speed limit will reduce to 45 miles per hour in the construction zone.

Besides rebuilding southbound Route 202, PennDOT this year will build several new ramps at Route 202's interchange at Route 422, Chesterbrook Boulevard and I-76; extend Devon Park Drive; redeck bridges over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road and West Valley Road; erect sound walls, and perform additional road and ramp work along the corridor.

PennDOT's contract contains a $30,000 a day incentive/disincentive clause for finishing this year's work on Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to North Valley Road before October 31, 2000.

Warren also said PennDOT will move the historic King of Prussia Inn in August under a $1.6 million operation. Crews will relocate the Inn from the median of Route 202 at Gulph Road to Bill Smith Boulevard in Upper Merion Township.

Glasgow, Inc. of Glenside, Pa. is the general contractor on the $57.5 million contract that covers Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road.

This spring, PennDOT will start construction on the second contract worth $32.1 million. This contract primarily consists of ramp construction at the Route 202/422 Interchange, extending
Devon Park Drive, and building the new ramp to take eastbound Route 422 and northbound Route 202 traffic to eastbound I-76. Allan A. Myers, Inc. of Worcester, Pa. submitted the apparent low bid for this work.

The third contract, worth an estimated $85 million and covering Route 202 between Route 422 and Gulph Road, is expected to start in late 2000. The fourth contract, worth an estimated $30 million and covering I-76 road and ramp construction, will start in early 2001.

To mitigate traffic impacts during construction, PennDOT built and opened three park and ride lots last spring. Commuters may use the new park and rides at the interchanges of Route 202 and State Route 29 in East Whiteland Township, Chester County; U.S. Route 30 and Route 202 in East Whiteland Township; and Lewis Road and Route 422 in Limerick Township, Montgomery County.

Warren said customers can stay informed of Route 202 construction by calling the US 202 Hotline at 610-567-5678 and logging onto the project web site at www.us202.com.

PennDOT also is providing $4.3 million in funding for additional SEPTA transit service along the Route 202 corridor during construction and a special intercorporate shuttle service for citizens working in key business centers along the corridor.

The Route 202 Improvement Project is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds. Tredyffrin Township will contribute $6 million to the project.

Back to top

March 1, 2000

PENNDOT TO START SECOND YEAR OF US 202 CONSTRUCTION MARCH 16

PennDOT moving ahead on $250 million project to widen US 202 to six lanes and improve interchanges at I-76, US 422 and Chesterbrook Boulevard

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today announced that crews will return to U.S. Route 202 on Thursday night, March 16, to start the second year of construction on the $250 million project to widen and improve the highway in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, and Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

Under this multi-year project, PennDOT is widening five miles of Route 202 from four lanes to six between the bridge over North Valley Road and Gulph Road. The plan also includes building new ramps at the Interstate 76, U.S. Route 422 and Chesterbrook Boulevard interchanges, rebuilding bridges, and related roadwork. Construction on this section of Route 202 will last until late 2003.
PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said Route 202 roadwork will intensify this year as two or possibly three additional contracts move into construction. In 1999, only one contract was active on the highway.

"This year motorists will encounter more construction on Route 202 as we begin building new southbound lanes and interchange ramps," PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said. "We urge motorists to allow extra time when traveling on Route 202 and suggest they use the new park and ride facilities that opened last year or take advantage of SEPTA's expanded service along the corridor. "

Warren said the major change facing Route 202 motorists this year will occur in early April when two lanes of southbound traffic shift over to the northbound side of the highway between Route 422 andthe bridge over North Valley Road. This pattern - two northbound and two southbound travel lanes running on the northbound side of Route 202 -- will extend four miles and remain in effect until late October.

"In April we will shift southbound traffic to the northbound side of Route 202 so crews can begin demolishing the old pavement and begin building new southbound lanes," Warren said.
When the shift occurs, southbound Route 202 motorists will move over to the northbound side shortly after passing the Route 422 interchange. Southbound traffic then will switch back to the southbound side of the highway at the bridge over North Valley Road.

This pattern will stay in effect until October.
To prepare for this traffic pattern shift, crews will begin sweeping debris off northbound Route 202's shoulders and painting new traffic lines, starting March 16. These operations will last about four nights. Then starting the week of March 20, the contractor will begin setting concrete barriers on northbound Route 202 to establish the new northbound and southbound traffic pattern.
Warren said PennDOT will continue to keep two travel lanes open in each direction on Route 202, except during late night and early morning hours when traffic may reduce to a single lane in one or both directions.

During construction, Route 202 motorists can expect to face lane closures Sunday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Motorists are also advised that Route 202's speed limit in the construction zone will reduce to 45 miles per hour starting March 16.
Besides rebuilding southbound Route 202, PennDOT this year will build several new ramps at Route 202's interchange at Route 422, Chesterbrook Boulevard and I-76; extend Devon Park Drive; redeck bridges over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road and West Valley Road; erect sound walls, and perform additional road and ramp work along the corridor. PennDOT's contract contains a $30,000 a day incentive/disincentive clause for finishing this year's work on Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to North Valley Road before October 31, 2000.

Besides roadwork, Warren said PennDOT will move the historic King of Prussia Inn in August under a $1.6 million operation. Crews will relocate the Inn from the median of Route 202 at Gulph Road to Bill Smith Boulevard in Upper Merion Township.

PennDOT is improving this five-mile section of Route 202, which carries betweem 70,000 and 105,000 vehicles a day between Paoli and King of Prussia, under four construction contracts.

Glasgow, Inc. of Glenside, Pa. is the general contractor on the $57.5 million contract that began last March and covers Route 202 from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road.

>This spring, PennDOT will start construction on the second contract worth $32.1 million. This contract primarily consists of ramp construction at the Route 202/422 Interchange, extending Devon Park Drive, and building the new ramp to take eastbound Route 422 and northbound Route 202 traffic to eastbound I-76. Allan A. Myers, Inc. of Worcester, Pa. submitted the apparent low bid for this work.

The third contract, worth an estimated $85 million and covering Route 202 between Route 422 and Gulph Road, is expected to start in late 2000. The fourth contract, worth an estimated $30 million and covering I-76 road and ramp construction, will start in early 2001.

To mitigate traffic impacts during construction, PennDOT built and opened three park and ride lots last spring. Commuters may use the new park and rides at the interchanges of Route 202 and State Route 29 in East Whiteland Township, Chester County; U.S. Route 30 and Route 202 in East Whiteland Township; and Lewis Road and Route 422 in Limerick Township, Montgomery County.
Warren said customers can stay informed of Route 202 construction by calling the US 202 Hotline at 610-567-5678 and logging onto the project web site at www.us202.com.

"Our hotline and web site are valuable information sources that give customers up-to-the-minute traffic information, construction updates and the opportunity to order new Route 202 construction brochures," he said.

PennDOT also is providing $4.3 million in funding for additional SEPTA transit service along the Route 202 corridor during construction and a special intercorporate shuttle service for citizens working in key business centers along the corridor.

The Route 202 Improvement Project is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds. Tredyffrin Township will contribute $6 million to the project.

Back to top

May 13, 1999

PennDOT to Open Three New Park & Rides on Monday, May 17, 1999

St. David's PA – PennDOT today announced that three new park and rides will be open Monday, May 17 - two in Chester County and one in Montgomery County - in conjunction with the $250 million widening of US Route 202. PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said new park and rides along Route 202 and US Route 422 will give commuters greater opportunities to join car or van pools while we widen five miles of Route 202 and rebuild interchanges.

The new Park & Rides are located on:

• US Route 30 at the Route 202 interchange in East Whiteland Township, Chester County
• Matthews Road at the Route 202/ State Route 29 interchange in East Whiteland Township, Chester County
• Lewis Road at the US Route 422 interchange in Limerick Township, Montgomery County.

"These facilities were strategically built with an eye to the future because construction on Routes 202 and 422 in the King of Prussia area will intensify over the next three years," Warren said. "They also will serve the region after construction is finished. "

"Park and rides are becoming an important part of our transportation landscape because they help reduce traffic congestion, reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce air pollution. "

In Chester County, the Route 30 park and ride holds 125 vehicles, while the Matthews Road facility at the Route 202/29 interchange accommodates 86 vehicles.

In Montgomery County, the new Lewis Road park and ride holds 50 vehicles. This lot is adjacent to the existing 63 space park and ride lot on Lewis Road that PennDOT built in 1991 and expanded a few years later due to overcrowding.

PennDOT and regional transportation partners developed the new park and rides for the Route 202 Congestion Mitigation program. This program, designed to give citizens alternative ways to travel along Route 202 and Route 422 during construction, also includes providing additional SEPTA transit services and a local intercorporate shuttle.

Construction began last March on the first of four contracts to widen Route 202 from four lanes to six between the bridge over North Valley Road in Chester County and Gulph Road in Montgomery County. The plan also includes new ramps at the interchanges of I-76, Route 422 and Chesterbrook Boulevard.

Back to top

March 16, 2001

US 202 Reconstruction Project Resumes March 16: Work Areas, Traffic Restrictions Moving North to I-76 in 2001

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (2/27/01) - With year three of the $250 million project to widen and reconstruct US 202 set to begin in mid-March, motorists are facing a year of large-scale construction and challenging travel restrictions in a work area that is expanding north from Tredyffrin Township into Upper Merion Township.

This spring, widening and reconstruction of US 202 between Old Eagle School Road and North Valley Road resumes, with work this year shifting onto the northbound side. Construction in 2001 will mirror the work completed last year on the southbound side in the four-mile section, located between the US 422 and PA 29/Great Valley interchanges.

On March 16 crews will begin preparing southbound US 202 to carry two lanes of northbound and two lanes of southbound traffic between the Old Eagle School Road and North Valley Road. The first stage of construction requires southbound traffic to be shifted to the right and concrete barrier placed down the center of the southbound roadway. Northbound traffic will then be crossed over in two lanes onto the southbound side of US 202 in early-April as crews begin a seven-month operation to remove the existing pavement and widen and reconstruct the northbound roadway in that area.

The decks of the northbound bridges carrying US 202 over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road (PA 252) and West Valley Road also will be reconstructed. During bridge construction, periodic nighttime lane restrictions will be in place on Swedesford, Valley Forge (PA 252) and West Valley roads.

In addition, crews this year will complete the upgrade of the Chesterbrook Interchange by building a new off ramp from northbound US 202 and rebuilding the existing Chesterbrook Boulevard ramp to northbound US 202. The Chesterbrook Boulevard ramp to northbound US 202 will close in the spring and reopen in late 2001. Also set to close in 2001 is the on-ramp from East Swedesford Road to southbound US 202.

This year, PennDOT will also install sound walls along northbound US 202 between North Valley and Swedesford roads.

Glasgow Construction, Inc., of Glenside, PA is general contractor on the $57.5 million project in this section of US 202.

Ramp construction progressing toward year-end opening

Working through the winter, crews from Allan Myers, Inc., of Worcester, Pa. made extensive progress on the construction of the $32.1 million ramp complex at US 202’s interchanges with US 422, I-76 and Devon Park Drive.

This ramp work will continue through 2001 but will have no affect on US 202 traffic; however, the ramp from northbound US 202 to US 422 West will be shifted slightly to allow construction of the new ramps.

Included in the work area, located east of US 202 near the US 422 interchange, is the construction of · The main ramp (Ramp L) from northbound US 202 and eastbound US 422 to I-76 East · A feeder ramp to Ramp L from Devon Park Drive, · News ramps connecting US 202 and US 422 · The bridge carrying South Warner Road over Ramp L, and · Retaining walls. The new ramps are expected to open to traffic this fall.

US 202 work area expands north, begins affecting travel on I-76

In 2001, things will begin to happen on US 202 north of the Old Eagle School Road overpass and on I-76 approaching the interchange with US 202.

By mid-spring, work will begin on a $104.8 million contract, awarded to Allan Myers, Inc., to widen and improve US 202 from Old Eagle School Road to the intersection with Gulph Road in King of Prussia. The first phase of this three-year project will find crews preparing US 202 between Old Eagle School Road and South Warner Road for full-scale widening and reconstruction in 2002 and 2003.

When construction begins in this area, northbound and southbound US 202 traffic will experience nighttime and weekend morning lane closures as crews place temporary paving in shoulders between Old Eagle School Road and South Warner Road. The temporary paving will allow northbound and southbound traffic to shift onto their respective shoulders while crews rebuild the median, which is required for the widening and reconstruction that will occur in 2002.

Also this spring, one lane on westbound I-76 will close for an extended period of time at the US 202 interchange when work begins to widen the overhead US 202 bridges. Preceding this lane closure will be off-peak lane closures on westbound I-76 as crews prepare for construction of an additional bridge pier in the center of the westbound lanes under US 202.

PennDOT advises motorists that significant congestion and delays will occur during peak travel times on I-76 for the duration of this year's construction in that area.

Turning lanes, bridge and ramps to close for 2001

In addition to lane closures on I-76, area motorists will encounter delays when the US 202’s northbound center turn lanes are closed at the intersection of Gulph Road for construction of a box culvert. This restriction will start in the late spring or early summer and last through the early fall.

Capacity on northbound US 202 at the intersection will reduce from five lanes - three through lanes and two left turn lanes - to three total lanes. Left turns from northbound US 202 to Gulph Road will be made from the existing left through lane, effectively reducing the number of available through lanes on northbound US 202 to two at the intersection. On southbound US 202, one of the two center left turn lanes at the intersection also will be closed.

Also scheduled to close for reconstruction from April through November is the bridge carrying Old Eagle School Road over US 202. Meanwhile, the ramp from North Gulph Road to westbound I-76 will close for reconstruction in April and remain closed until 2003.

The southbound US 202 ramp to Swedesford/Warner Road also is scheduled to close permanently in late 2001 when construction is completed on the new ramp from southbound US 202 to East Swedesford Road at Guthrie Road.

More restrictions on I-76 this fall

This fall, work is expected to begin to reconstruct the US 202/I-76 Interchange and to build a new railroad bridge over I-76 just east of the US 202 interchange. While the bulk of the work on this final phase of the overall $250 million improvement project is scheduled to take place in 2002 and 2003, I-76 motorists can expect to face nighttime and weekend lane closures in October and November.

Lane reductions in the I-76 construction area will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic at various times. The closures will allow crews to begin the removal of the permanent concrete barrier that separates eastbound and westbound traffic in the vicinity of the railroad overpass. The permanent barrier will be replaced with temporary barrier for new traffic patterns required in 2002 and 2003 during demolition of the old railroad bridge and construction of its replacement.

Traffic backups can be expected during any lane closures on I-76.

Motorists are advised to keep abreast of changing traffic patterns and lane closures on US 202 and I-76, and to avoid the construction areas if possible during peak traffic times. Details of construction on US 202 may be found at www.us202.com. A weekly traffic bulletin - detailing roadway construction in this area and throughout the five-county Philadelphia region - can be found on-line at PennDOT’s District 6 web site that is available at www.dot.state.pa.us. The Traffic Restriction Bulletin also is available via weekly e-mail by visiting that Web site's News/Press Office section and filling out a short Subscribe to E-bulletins form.

October 18, 2000

Final paving underway as US 202 roadwork nears completion for 2000

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (October 18, 2000) – Crews are busily paving gaps remaining at ramp locations along southbound U. S. Route 202 as they hustle to reopen the highway’s southbound lanes to traffic this fall and complete 2000 construction on the multi-year widening and reconstruction project.

Upon completing the gap areas, concrete paving will finish along the 4.3-mile stretch of southbound Route 202 in Tredyffrin Township. That area – located between the North Valley Road overpass, north of the State Route 29/Great Valley interchange, and the Old Eagle School Road overpass, south of the U.S. Route 422 interchange – has been widened to three lanes.

Ramp, interchange construction

The new ramp to carry traffic to eastbound Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422 is taking shape. Crews have spread and compacted several hundred feet of sub-base stone at the southern end as excavation for the remainder of the ramp advances north toward I-76.

Sub-base stone also was placed at the foot of local access ramps that will carry traffic from Devon Park Drive to the new ramp leading to eastbound I-76. Excavation and construction of foundations, retaining walls and drainage facilities for the new ramp system continues in the busy work area located on the east side of Route 202 near Route 422.

Work in the interchange area will continue through the winter as weather allows.

PennDOT expects to open this new ramp in late summer 2001.

This fall, when PennDOT switches southbound Route 202 traffic back onto the southbound side of the highway, it also will open the newly reconstructed southbound off-ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard, the new Chesterbrook Boulevard ramp to southbound Route 202, and the new ramp from East Swedesford Road to southbound Route 202. The East Swedesford Road ramp is located just south of Old Eagle School Road.

Sound walls

Crews are placing the final sound wall panels along southbound Route 202 and painting the panels with anti-graffiti coating prior to reopening the southbound lanes. Sound walls along southbound Route 202 are located: · adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet) · near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet) · near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

At the completion of the year 2000 phase of the $250 million widening and reconstruction project, two lanes of southbound traffic will return to the southbound side of the highway. In spring 2001, PennDOT will shift two northbound lanes of Route 202 traffic to the southbound side of the highway. Reconstruction and widening of the northbound lanes of Route 202 will begin following the switch.

Next spring, construction also will start to improve Route 202 between Route 422 and Gulph Road.

Route 202 construction is expected to finish in 2003.

September 26, 2000

CONCRETE PAVING PROCEEDING TOWARD OCTOBER COMPLETION

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (September 26, 2000) – Placement of the final riding surface for the three reconstructed southbound lanes of U.S. Route 202 in Tredyffrin Township is proceeding as planned, with completion expected in late October.

Paving crews are placing a 13-inch concrete riding surface atop a four-inch asphalt treated base along a 4.3-mile stretch of newly widened roadway. The work area is located between the North Valley Road overpass, north of the State Route 29/Great Valley interchange, and the Old Eagle School Road overpass, south of the U.S. Route 422 interchange.

Paving is proceeding south to north. Crews are first paving two traffic lanes within stretches between interchange ramps, then returning to the original starting locations to complete the third lane before moving to another section. At the completion of these major paving sections, traffic on the temporary on and off ramps will shift to new locations to allow crews to complete paving of the areas where the temporary ramps had been. When paving is completed on the roadway and ramps, crews will pave the shoulder area.

Ramp, interchange construction

Crews continue to excavate and construct foundations and drainage facilities for a new system of ramps and related structures that will carry traffic to eastbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422. The work area is located on the east side of Route 202 near Route 422.

Recent activities in the work area include filling some sinkholes that developed during excavation. Also under construction are numerous adjustments to the adjacent local road system – including an extension of Devon Park Drive from Old Eagle School Road to South Warner Road.

PennDOT expects to open this new ramp in late summer 2001.

Work also continues on lengthening and rebuilding the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard and on building a new ramp from Chesterbrook Boulevard to southbound Route 202.

With the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard closed for reconstruction, motorists normally exiting at Chesterbrook must continue to use the State Route 252/Paoli ramp to Swedesford Road to reach Chesterbrook Boulevard. Last year, the boulevard was extended to connect with Swedesford Road.

This detour will be lifted when the newly widened southbound lanes and the Chesterbrook Boulevard ramps are opened to traffic in late October.

Sound walls

Sound wall construction along southbound Route 202 continues at a steady pace. The remaining support posts and architecturally treated wall panels will be erected at various locations along the highway after paving is completed. Sound walls are located: · adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet) · near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet) · near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

King of Prussia Inn

With the successful relocation of the historic King of Prussia Inn over the weekend of August 20, crews are completing construction of the foundation walls for the building’s new home on a 1.5-acre lot on Bill Smith Boulevard. The King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce will renovate the Inn and use it to house Chamber offices, a museum and a community conference room.

The 280 year-old Inn was moved 2,400 feet from its original location in the median of Route 202 near Gulph Road under a $1.6 million contract funded by PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

During 2000 construction on Route 202, traffic remains in two lanes northbound and two lanes southbound on the northbound side of the highway from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road, two miles north of the Route 29/Great Valley interchange. This pattern will remain in effect until late October.

CONCRETE PAVING SET TO BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 14, PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR AUGUST 20 MOVE OF HISTORIC INN

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (August 9, 2000) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin placing the final, concrete riding surface on the newly widened southbound lanes of U.S. Route 202 in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion townships during the week of August 14.

The 4.3-mile paving operation is expected to take approximately two months to complete.

Paving crews will place the 13-inch concrete riding surface atop the four-inch permeable asphalt base. Paving will proceed south to north, beginning near the North Valley Road overpass, between the Chesterbrook and State Route 29/Great Valley interchanges, and ending near the Old Eagle School Road overpass, located between the Devon and U.S. Route 422 interchanges.

(The small green and black triangular units sitting atop the asphalt base at regularly spaced intervals are load transfer units. These units – part of the roadway’s structural composition that will remain in the finished pavement – help prevent cracking of the concrete by evenly dispensing the live load of traffic.)

Crews will complete placement of the remaining stretches of permeable asphalt base ahead of concrete paving crews.

Concrete placement will start with the right and middle lanes from end-to-end. Paving machines will then return to the southern limits of the project and place concrete for the new third lane and the outside shoulders.

At the completion of the paving, crews will complete construction of sound wall panels along southbound Route 202 prior to shifting southbound traffic onto the newly widened lanes in late October.

Final preparations underway for move of King of Prussia Inn

Crews have completed most of the structural bracing and are slowly raising the historic King of Prussia Inn off the foundation at its original location in the median of Route 202 near the intersection of Gulph Road.

Utilizing a system of hydraulic jacks, restoration experts from the International Chimney Corporation are carefully lifting the 280-year old Inn in six-inch increments to a total elevation of approximately 10 feet above the foundation. When raised to its proper height, the building will be fitted with steel beams and 21 rubber-tired dollies will slowly move the Inn along South Gulph Road to its new home on a 1.5-acre site on Bill Smith Boulevard. The Inn will move 2,400 feet.

During the move, which is expected to last about 12 hours, northbound Route 202 and South Gulph Road will close when the Inn is moving on them. During this time, northbound Route 202 traffic will detour over I-76 West and Mall Boulevard. South Gulph Road drivers will detour between Route 202 and Henderson Road. Both roads will reopen once the Inn is off the road and utility lines are back in place.

New ramps and interchanges

Crews continue to build the new access ramp to carry traffic to eastbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422.

Within a major work area on the east side of Route 202, crews are excavating, driving piles and constructing bridge abutments between Route 422 and I-76. Also under construction is an extension of Devon Park Drive and extensive drainage and erosion controls within this area. PennDOT expects to open this new ramp in late summer 2001.

Work also continues on lengthening and rebuilding the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard and on building a new ramp from Chesterbrook Boulevard to southbound Route 202.

With the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard closed for reconstruction, motorists normally exiting at Chesterbrook must continue to use the State Route 252/Paoli ramp to Swedesford Road to reach Chesterbrook Boulevard. Last year, the boulevard was extended to connect with Swedesford Road.

Sound Walls

Sound walls are being erected along southbound Route 202 in advance of concrete paving. Crews are placing final sound wall posts and installing architecturally treated wall panels at various locations along the highway. Wall sections not placed prior to paving will be inserted after paving is completed. Sound walls are located:

adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet)
near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet)
near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

During 2000 construction on Route 202, traffic remains in two lanes northbound and two lanes southbound on the northbound side of the highway from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road, two miles north of the Route 29/Great Valley Interchange. This pattern will remain in effect until late October.

August 9, 2000

CONCRETE PAVING SET TO BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 14, PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR AUGUST 20 MOVE OF HISTORIC INN

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (August 9, 2000) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin placing the final, concrete riding surface on the newly widened southbound lanes of U.S. Route 202 in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion townships during the week of August 14.

The 4.3-mile paving operation is expected to take approximately two months to complete.

Paving crews will place the 13-inch concrete riding surface atop the four-inch permeable asphalt base. Paving will proceed south to north, beginning near the North Valley Road overpass, between the Chesterbrook and State Route 29/Great Valley interchanges, and ending near the Old Eagle School Road overpass, located between the Devon and U.S. Route 422 interchanges.

(The small green and black triangular units sitting atop the asphalt base at regularly spaced intervals are load transfer units. These units – part of the roadway’s structural composition that will remain in the finished pavement – help prevent cracking of the concrete by evenly dispensing the live load of traffic.)

Crews will complete placement of the remaining stretches of permeable asphalt base ahead of concrete paving crews.

Concrete placement will start with the right and middle lanes from end-to-end. Paving machines will then return to the southern limits of the project and place concrete for the new third lane and the outside shoulders.

At the completion of the paving, crews will complete construction of sound wall panels along southbound Route 202 prior to shifting southbound traffic onto the newly widened lanes in late October.

Final preparations underway for move of King of Prussia Inn

Crews have completed most of the structural bracing and are slowly raising the historic King of Prussia Inn off the foundation at its original location in the median of Route 202 near the intersection of Gulph Road.

Utilizing a system of hydraulic jacks, restoration experts from the International Chimney Corporation are carefully lifting the 280-year old Inn in six-inch increments to a total elevation of approximately 10 feet above the foundation. When raised to its proper height, the building will be fitted with steel beams and 21 rubber-tired dollies will slowly move the Inn along South Gulph Road to its new home on a 1.5-acre site on Bill Smith Boulevard. The Inn will move 2,400 feet.

During the move, which is expected to last about 12 hours, northbound Route 202 and South Gulph Road will close when the Inn is moving on them. During this time, northbound Route 202 traffic will detour over I-76 West and Mall Boulevard. South Gulph Road drivers will detour between Route 202 and Henderson Road. Both roads will reopen once the Inn is off the road and utility lines are back in place.

New ramps and interchanges

Crews continue to build the new access ramp to carry traffic to eastbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422.

Within a major work area on the east side of Route 202, crews are excavating, driving piles and constructing bridge abutments between Route 422 and I-76. Also under construction is an extension of Devon Park Drive and extensive drainage and erosion controls within this area. PennDOT expects to open this new ramp in late summer 2001.

Work also continues on lengthening and rebuilding the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard and on building a new ramp from Chesterbrook Boulevard to southbound Route 202.

With the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard closed for reconstruction, motorists normally exiting at Chesterbrook must continue to use the State Route 252/Paoli ramp to Swedesford Road to reach Chesterbrook Boulevard. Last year, the boulevard was extended to connect with Swedesford Road.

Sound Walls

Sound walls are being erected along southbound Route 202 in advance of concrete paving. Crews are placing final sound wall posts and installing architecturally treated wall panels at various locations along the highway. Wall sections not placed prior to paving will be inserted after paving is completed. Sound walls are located:

adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet)
near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet)
near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

During 2000 construction on Route 202, traffic remains in two lanes northbound and two lanes southbound on the northbound side of the highway from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road, two miles north of the Route 29/Great Valley Interchange. This pattern will remain in effect until late October.

July 7, 2000

NEW RAMPS AND RELATED STRUCTURES AT US 422 & I-76 TAKING SHAPE; GRADING AND PAVING CONTINUES ON WIDENED SOUTHBOUND LANES

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (July 7, 2000) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports steady progress as the massive widening and reconstruction of US Route 202 in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion Townships enters July.

East of Route 202, new ramps and related structures for U.S. Route 422 and Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) are taking shape, while grading and subbase paving moves south-to-north across three lanes on the southbound side between North Valley and Old Eagle School roads.

In the center of Route 202, building relocation experts are working near the intersection of Gulph Road to prepare the historic King of Prussia Inn for its upcoming move this summer. Crews from the International Chimney Corporation are bracing the interior and exterior walls and patching mortar inside and outside. The building will be separated from its foundation and moved approximately one-half mile to a permanent location on Bill Smith Boulevard in Upper Merion Township. The move will take place on August 20.

New ramps and interchanges

PennDOT’s new access ramp to carry traffic to eastbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 422 is taking shape within a formidable and busy work area.

Within this area, which is easily visible on the east side of Route 202, crews are excavating and placing embankment for the ramp and driving piles and constructing abutments for one of several bridges. These bridges will carry ramps over the new ramp leading to eastbound I-76. PennDOT expects to open this new ramp in late summer 2001.

Widening and reconstruction: North Valley Road to Old Eagle School Road Route 202 traffic remains in two lanes northbound and two lanes southbound on the northbound side of the highway from just south of Route 422 to the bridge over North Valley Road. The North Valley Road structure is two miles north of the State Route 29/Great Valley Interchange.

In the work area occupying the southbound side of the highway, crews are laying the permeable base, a four-inch thick blacktop pavement that will support the eventual 13-inch thick concrete riding surface. This permeable base has been laid from North Valley Road through Swedesford Road. Base paving will progress north over the next couple of weeks to its completion near Old Eagle School Road.

Starting in mid-July, crews will begin placing the concrete riding surface on the new southbound lanes, progressing from the southern end of the job to the northern end.

Bridges

Widening and reconstruction also continues on three bridges carrying southbound Route 202 over Swedesford Road, Valley Forge Road (PA 252) and West Valley Road. A new concrete deck recently was poured on the Valley Forge Road bridge. Concrete approach slabs currently are under construction at the Swedesford Road and Valley Forge Road bridges.

Work also continues on lengthening and rebuilding the old southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard and on building a new ramp from Chesterbrook Boulevard to southbound Route 202.

With the southbound Route 202 ramp to Chesterbrook Boulevard closed for reconstruction, motorists normally exiting at Chesterbrook must continue to use the State Route 252/Paoli ramp to Swedesford Road to reach Chesterbrook Boulevard. Last year, the boulevard was extended to connect with Swedesford Road.

Sound barriers

Crews also continue to drill and place concrete for caissons to support sound wall posts at three locations along southbound Route 202. These slotted posts, into which crews will slide the architecturally-treated barrier wall panels, are being erected as the caissons are constructed. Sound walls are currently being built at the following locations:

· adjacent to the Chesterbrook development (2,200 feet)

· near the Devon Interchange (1,400 feet)

· near West Valley Road (2,800 feet)

Construction on Route 202 is confined primarily to the southbound lanes for the remainder of the 2000 construction season.

July 6, 2000

SR 202 Section 300 - Final Design

King of Prussia, PA (July 6) - The SR 202 Corridor is the transportation backbone in a rapidly-growing region spanning the four suburban counties of Philadelphia: Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks. As the region continues to develop, the traffic demand on this heavily-traveled corridor will continue to increase. PennDOT, In conjunction with state, regional and local transportation planners, has progressed several projects along this corridor that will improve US 202 to accommodate current and future traffic demands.

With the opening of the Exton Bypass in 1995 and the anticipated completion of Section 400 in 2002, Section 300 has quickly become a critical link in this corridor. Understanding this potential problem, DVRPC, in a unique partnership with local developers, Chester County, PennDOT and FHWA, initiated a fast-track Environmental study culminating on October 25, 1999 when the FHWA approved the Categorial Exclusion Evaluation for the project. Michael Baker Jr., Inc. has been selected to complete the Final Design phase of Section 300.

The project scope recommends complete reconstruction of the existing 6.6 mile concrete roadway with major modifications to many of the structures between Route 30 (Exton Bypass) and North Valley Road. The existing grass median will be replaced with a through lane and shoulder in each direction, separated by a concrete median barrier. Modifications to the existing roadway profile will be necessary to provide proper vertical clearance at several overpass structures.

The following is a summary of the proposed improvements on SR 202 Section 300:

Reconstruction of existing travel lanes

Addition of third travel lane in each direction with concrete median barrier to divide NB and SB traffic

Widening of mainline bridges for additional travel lane

Construction of two lane collector distributor (C-D) road at the SR 29 - Great Valley Interchange

Construction of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Park and Ride Facilities

Addition of traffic signals at the SR 401 interchange

Ramp Improvements at SR 401 and SR 29

Construction of water quality enhancement and stormwater management facilities

Addition of sound barrier walls

Construction of SR 202 Section 300 is scheduled to begin in late 2003 and last two construction seasons. The construction staging will follow a similar pattern as the current construction of SR 202 Section 400. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained seven days a week during daylight hours. The new SR 202 Section 300 is scheduled to be open to the public in 2005. When it is complete, this modern transportation facility will provide exceptional service to the Philadelphia Region for decades to come.

June 16, 2000

PennDOT to Brace Historic King of Prussia Inn for Move to Bill Smith Boulevard

PennDOT targets August 20 for moving historic building off US 202 in Upper Merion Township

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (June 16) - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is beginning operations to reinforce the 280-year-old King of Prussia Inn to prepare the historic building for its upcoming move from the median of U.S. Route 202 to Bill Smith Boulevard in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County. PennDOT target date for moving the Inn is Sunday, August 20.

Crews will work the next two months to reinforce the interior of the building, excavate around the perimeter, and place beams and dollies under the Inn so it's ready to move this summer," District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said.

"The King of Prussia Inn has been a source of pride and distinction in the King of Prussia area and we're excited to move this historic structure so it can be restored and given a new life for the community," Warren said.

International Chimney Corporation of Buffalo, N.Y. is the general contractor to whom PennDOT awarded the $1,634,719 contract to move the Inn. The project is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds. International Chimney Corporation specializes in relocating historic buildings, lighthouses and structures. Recently, the company moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina, Shubert Theater in Minneapolis, Minn., Union Station Arch in Columbus, Ohio and the Canton Junction Railroad Station in Canton Junction, Mass.

Over the next two months, crews will prepare the Inn for its move by bracing the interior of the building with cables and wooden beams, and reinforcing windows, door frames and walls. The contractor also will excavate around the Inn to sever the building from its foundation. They will then place steel beams under the Inn and dollies under the beams.

After PennDOT moves the Inn less than a mile to a 1.5-acre site off South Gulph Road, the King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce will own the building and refurbish it to house chamber offices, a meeting room and a museum/conference room.

Warren said the Inn relocation is part of PennDOT's $250 million project to widen Route 202 to six lanes in Upper Merion and Tredyffrin townships.

"Moving the Inn off Route 202 benefits the King of Prussia area because it allows the building to once again serve a useful purpose. It also permits us to expand the intersection of Route 202 and Gulph Road to reduce congestion and improve trafffic flow," Warren added.

Over the years, PennDOT worked closely with the Federal Highway Administration, Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Upper Merion Township, King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce and the King of Prussia Historical Society to develop the building's relocations and restoration plans.

For the past three years, the Inn has been the focus of a relocation fund-raising drive by the King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce. In 1996, the chamber was chosen by PennDOT to become the Inn's new owner following a national search.

Built in 1719 or earlier, the Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the site where the Marquis de Lafayette became a member of General George Washington's Military Lodge during the Valley Forge Encampment in the winter of 1777-1778.

Over the years the building deteriorated to the point where it was closed to the public in 1952. The Inn's location in the middle of Route 202 made it impossible to reach and the condition of the building has steadily worsened over the years. PennDOT crews repaired interior walls in recent years and a contractor removed asbestos from the Inn last year.

The gabled stone masonry structure with Georgian and Federal details is a rectangular building measuring approximately 52 feet by 33 feet, with a one story stuccoed fieldstone addition measuring 17 feet by 15 feet. The building was enlarged and remodeled in the mid-1700's and in 1769. It was later modified and remodeled in the early 19th century and again in the 20th century.

June 14, 2000

PennDOT to Host "Open House" Meeting for Improving US 202 in Chester and Delaware Counties

Meeting on Thursday, June 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Garnet Valley High School

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (June 14) - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will hold a public "open house" on Thursday, June 22 to update citizens on the environmental study to improve 7.5 miles of U.S. route 202 between West Chester and the Delaware state line in Chester and Delaware counties.

The "open house" will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Garnet Valley High School cafeteria at 552 Smith Bridge Road in Glen Mills (Concord Township).

PennDOT District Administrator Andrew L. Warren said the informal meeting is designed to inform citizens about the improvement alternatives under investigation and to give them the chance to discuss the plans with PennDOT's study-team members.

Warren said the proposed improvement alternatives include widenening Route 202 from two lanes to three in each direction and upgrading existing roadway conditions.

The alternatives also include new interchanges at Route 202's intersections at U.S. Route 1, State Route 926 and Matlack Street. The Study also contains the no build or do nothing alternative.

The stretch of Route 202 is a four-lane, signalized highway that carries between 36,000 and 46,500 vehicles a day. It traverse through Bethel, Concord, Chadds Ford and Thornbury townships in Delaware County and West Goshen, Westtown, Thornbury and Birmingham townships in Chester County.

PennDOT began the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Preliminary Engineering in 1991 to examine possible alternatives to improve travel on this part of Route 202.

During this study, PennDOT uncovered several historic structures and historic districts along Route 202. Over 106 buildings were investigated . The largest of the cultural and historical properties was the Brandywine Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark.

PennDOT expects to circulate the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public review late this year and hold a public hearing in early 2001. A final Record of Decision is expected from the Federal Highway Administration in late 2001 or early 2002.

Urban Engineers, Inc. of Philadelphia is performing the $2.5 million study for PennDOT.