First of Two Mainline Projects to Widen and Reconstruct a 6.7-mile Section of U.S. 322
Glen Mills, PA – Governor Tom Wolf joined Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S. Richards and local officials today to break ground on the first of two mainline projects to widen and reconstruct a 6.7-mile section of U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) from U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) to just east of Route 452 (Market Street) in Concord, Bethel and Upper Chichester townships, Delaware County.
The project is part of the more than $550 million that the department expects to invest in highway and bridge improvements across the Philadelphia region in 2017.
“Whether it’s in a rural community or a suburban area, transportation improvements make commerce and our daily lives move more smoothly,” Governor Wolf said. “This major investment will double the highway’s capacity to improve traffic flow and safety.”
The ceremony marked the start of work on the long-awaited, $62.7 million project to improve travel and safety on the first section, or western section of U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) from U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) to just east of Mattson Road/Featherbed Lane near Clayton Park in Concord Township, by widening the highway from two lanes to four lanes with a grass median separating the eastbound and westbound travel lanes.
“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,” Richards said. “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 scope of work on the first section also includes:
In addition, the bridge carrying U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) over SEPTA/Webb Creek and the bridge over Smith Bridge Road will be replaced. Five retaining walls and a sound barrier will also be constructed in this section.
“This day is a tremendously important day for our region. Area residents have been calling for this road to be improved for decade, going back some 30 years when the late Senator Bell made this project a top priority for our region,” said Senator Tom Killion. “I was happy to help build legislative support for Act 89—the legislation that made this project possible. Getting to this point took a lot of effort from a lot of people. I want to thank all those who contributed to making this project happen. The impact this project will have on improving the quality of life for our community cannot be overstated.”
During construction, U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) between U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) and Clayton Park Drive will remain open to one lane of traffic in each direction during peak travel times. Periodic flagger-controlled lane restrictions may occur Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM, for various operations as construction advances along the corridor.
Work on the first mainline section of U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) is scheduled to be completed in fall 2020.
J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Chester County, is the general contractor on the project which is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.
Engineering design is advancing for the widening and reconstruction of the eastern section of the highway from Featherbed Lane/Mattson Road to just east of Route 452 (Market Street). Construction on this section is expected to start in 2019.
An additional contract to replace the U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) bridge over the CSX railroad and Bethel Road as well as improvements to the adjacent Bethel Road Interchange is under design and not yet scheduled for construction.
PennDOT has launched a new website — us322conchester.com — to keep motorists and residents informed during the reconstruction and widening of U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway). The site provides updated construction details and photos, graphics showing improvements at each intersection, travel information for commuters, a form for submitting questions or comments, and an email subscription service for receiving news and other information about the project.
