Butler to Crescent

SECTION C:
Whitemarsh and Plymouth Townships (Harmon Road to Crescent Avenue)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background

Ridge Pike is owned by Montgomery County between Norristown and Philadelphia. The Harmon Road to Crescent Avenue section of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project is primarily a residential corridor with some businesses and private/public open space.

The lead design engineer for Segment C of the Ridge Pike Improvement project, RK&K, is a firm that has been providing multi-discipline planning, engineering, environmental and construction services since 1923. For more information, visit www.rkk.com. RK&K is also supported by a team of subconsultants, including Boles Smyth, A.D. Marble, Malick & Scherer, P.C., and InfraMap Corp.

The Problems

  • Roadway and drainage in poor condition
  • Congestion along the corridor
  • Lane drop at Joshua Road
  • Lack of sidewalks

The Solutions

  • Full reconstruction of the roadway pavement
  • Additional turning lanes at intersections
  • New traffic signals at Whitemarsh Shopping Center, and Crescent Avenue, and upgrades to all existing signals
  • New and reconstructed sidewalks
  • Upgraded storm drainage system and new stormwater management facilities

PROJECT DETAILS

This project includes the reconstruction of approximately 2.1 miles of Ridge Pike from Harmon Road to Crescent Avenue and is located primarily within Whitemarsh Township with the western limit at Harmon Road in Plymouth Township. This is one of several segments comprising the overall Ridge Pike Improvement Project undergoing construction by Montgomery County.

Presently, there are two travel lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions of Ridge Pike, except at Joshua Road where one eastbound through lane is currently used as an exclusive left turn lane. There are four existing signalized intersections (Butler Pike, Spring Mill Road, Joshua Road, and Chestnut Street/South Gilinger Road) in this section of Ridge Pike. In addition, there are some sections of existing sidewalk, but no continuous sidewalk throughout the entire corridor. Several SEPTA bus stops are also located along this section of Ridge Pike.

Proposed improvements to Ridge Pike include full-depth pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements, new stormwater management facilities, new/reconstructed sidewalk, and traffic signal upgrades/coordination. A new traffic signal will be installed at Whitemarsh Shopping Center and Crescent Avenue which currently do not have traffic signals. New or extended turning lanes will be constructed where needed; at these locations, minor pavement widening may be needed.

SEVERAL PROJECTS

Ridge Pike between Norristown and Philadelphia is nearly 5 miles long and will be costly to rebuild. In order to fund and construct improvements as quickly as possible, the project is divided into four manageable segments. Each has its own timeline and funding. For more information about improvement to other segments of Ridge Pike, please visit www.ridgepikeproject.com.

PROJECT STATUS

Preliminary design for this Ridge Pike (Harmon Road to Crescent Avenue) project began in late 2017 and was completed in 2022. Final design will continue through FY 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2025.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION

Additional information is available below:

  1. Municipal Officials Meeting PowerPoint (January 22, 2018)
  2. Project Photos – Existing Conditions and Proposed Improvements
    1. Ridge Pike & Butler Pike
    2. Ridge Pike & Spring Mill Road
    3. Ridge Pike – SEPTA Bus Route 27 at Birch Drive
    4. Ridge Pike & Joshua Road
    5. Ridge Pike (throughout corridor) – pedestrian & transit
    6. Ridge Pike (throughout corridor) – pavement & drainage

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES

Public Open Houses will be held periodically to help keep the community informed. Announcements will include a posting to those who have joined our email list. You can join our email list to receive project updates and announcements.

The first public open house for the project was held on April 30, 2019. The PowerPoint presentation, display boards, and responses to public comments are provided below:

  1. PowerPoint Presentation Presented by Crystal Gilchrist, Montgomery County Project Manager
  2. Preliminary Concept-Corridor Map
  3. Preliminary Concept-Butler Pike Intersection
  4. Preliminary Concept-Spring Mill Intersection
  5. Preliminary Concept-Joshua Road Intersection
  6. Preliminary Concept-Chestnut Street Intersection
  7. Preliminary Concept-Crescent Avenue Intersection
  8. Public Open House Comments and Responses

Watch the Public Open House Presentation from April 30, 2019, on YouTube.

For questions or comments about the Ridge Pike Improvement Project, please contact Laureen Sendel-Grant at 610-278-3734.