Lane Restrictions, Stoppages This Week on I-476

According to a release issued by PennDOT, drivers on northbound Interstate 476 will encounter nighttime lane restrictions in both directions this week, Aug. 8-12, for road and bridge construction between the Interstate 76 (Exit 16) and Ridge Pike (Exit 18) interchanges.

One of the two lanes on the northbound side of the interstate will be closed on Monday and Tuesday nights, Aug. 8-9, from 8 p.m. each evening until 6 a.m. the following morning between the I-76 and Ridge Pike interchanges. Periodic full stoppages will also occur northbound early Tuesday, Aug. 9, between midnight and 5 a.m. while crews complete a traffic shift to move northbound vehicles onto the rebuilt outside half of the interstate north of the Schuylkill River Bridge. This shift will complete the movement of all northbound traffic onto the rebuilt outside half through the work zone.

Other lane closures planned for the week include:

• Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 10-11, one of the two northbound lanes on the northbound side closed from 10 p.m. each evening until 5 a.m. the following morning between I-76 and Ridge Pike;
• Thursday, Aug. 11, one of the three southbound lanes closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 between Ridge Pike and I-76.

In addition, Chemical Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 7-11, from 9 p.m. each evening until 5 a.m. the following morning between Ridge Pike and Gallagher Road in Plymouth for painting at the I-476 overpass.

Drivers also are advised to remain alert for slow-moving construction vehicles entering and leaving the northbound “express” lane that is in place on the southbound side of I-476 between the I-76 (Exit 16) and Germantown Pike West (Exit 20) interchanges during the ongoing construction to rebuild the inside half of I-476 north. Construction crews are using the “express” lane for access to numerous work areas.

The contractor’s schedule is contingent on the weather.

These operations are part of PennDOT’s $71.7 million project to rebuild the 3.2 miles of I-476 between the I-76 (Exit 16) and Germantown Pike (Exit 20) interchanges in Montgomery County.

Commuters are advised to allow extra time for travel through the work area and reminded to slow to the posted 45 miles per hour speed limit and remain alert for shifting traffic patterns in the work zone.

Allan A. Myers, LP of Worcester, is the general contractor on the $71,728,383 contract that is financed entirely with federal funds.

For more information on the I-476 improvement project, visit www.476blueroute.com.

PennDOT reminds drivers they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on I-476 and other major highways before heading out.