April 30, 2017
A multimillion improvement project is underway this week to widen a vital thoroughfare that connects Delaware County residents to major highways.
On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for an effort to reconstruct 6.7 miles of U.S. 322, also known as Conchester Highway, in Concord, Bethel and Upper Chichester Townships. The project is estimated to cost $62.7 million to improve the road from U.S. 1/Baltimore Pike to Route 452/Market Street.
The existing two-lane stretch of road will be transformed into a four-lane highway with a grass median to increase safety. New features will include turning lanes, upgrade traffic signals and Bluetooth tag readers to optimize traffic flow.
“Whether it’s in a rural community or a suburban area, transportation improvements make commerce and our daily lives move more smoothly,” Wolf said. “This major investment will double the highway’s capacity to improve traffic flow and safety.”
Excited to break ground on US 322 improvement project with @PennDOTNews @SecRichards in Delaware County today. pic.twitter.com/RjzZKuoOhy
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) April 28, 2017
The roadway will remain open while construction is underway. However, flagger-controlled lane restrictions will occur as needed during non-peak travel periods.
“The state transportation plan is allowing this project to start faster than it would have otherwise, and we’re pleased to bring these improvements to this region faster,” said Leslie Richards, PennDOT secretary. “This will make a huge difference for the tens of thousands of people who use the highway to connect to Interstate 95, Philadelphia International Airport and New Jersey.”
The project was financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds, officials said.
Work is expected to completed in late 2020.
