PA Turnpike $117M Widening Is In Full Gear

The large trees and other debris have been removed and motorists getting off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Valley Forge Interchange now have a clear view of King of Prussia’s Town Center and Wegmans supermarket.

Motorists may be wondering what’s happening.

The first-phase of a $117.8M project to widen a 2-mile stretch at the Turnpike’s Valley Forge Interchange at Route 422, Upper Merion Township, to the Valley Forge overpass, Tredyffrin Township, is in full gear.

James Bergmaier, spokesman for the turnpike's construction manager, Hill International, said the clearing off the trees and other debris, known as “clearing and grubbing” is nearly complete.
The first-phase of construction is underway.

Bergmaier said that adding the extra lane should ease traffic on the 2-mile stretch.

Route 422 bridge update
Contractors are preparing to install new structures and embankments between the Valley Forge Road overpass (milepost 324) and U.S. Route 422 (milepost 326).

Demolition of the outside section of the east and westbound Turnpike bridge over the 422 underpass is underway. Turnpike traffic will remain on the existing bridge as the outer sections are rebuilt.

Motorists can expect intermittent stoppages on Route 422 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. through August 2023.

No long term restrictions are expected, but occasional restrictions at night may occur.

Drilling and grouting operations for ground improvement continue on the westbound side of the turnpike. Limited tree clearing on both sides of the turnpike has started.

The installation of a fence around Valley Forge Park is expected soon.

Glenhardie and Thomas roads bridges in Tredyffrin Township projects

Construction crews are also working on Glenhardie and Thomas roads under the turnpike to clear two Trout Creek culvert extensions under the turnpike.

The crews are installing systems to secure embankments during construction and will continue demolishing existing structures and constructing new culvert extensions for the next several months.

Detour on Thomas Road

On March 7, Thomas Road will be closed at the turnpike bridge for drainage installation. Traffic will be detoured around the underpass via Gulph, Glenhardie and Walker roads.

Traffic signs are being installed. All construction activities are weather permitting.

Kathleen Walter, turnpike spokeswoman, said the Valley Forge exit is one of the busiest turnpike exits.
She anticipates there will be an increase in traffic as the pandemic winds down and people get back to traveling.

“It’s a hub and people are getting out more,” she said.

Scaled back

The project was initially planned as 6 miles.

It has since been divided into two projects. From East Whiteland Township (Milepost 320) to Upper Merion Township (Milepost 324).The second project will not begin until the first project is complete. More information is available at https://www.patpconstruction.com/mp324to326/update.aspx.