Project Overview
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., InfraMap Corp, and American Geotechnical & Environmental Services, Inc.
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
- Upgrades to all existing traffic 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 that is 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.
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 2027, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
Right-of-Way plans were finalized in 2024, and contact with residents regarding acquisition needs began in early 2025.
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 improvements to other segments of Ridge Pike, please visit www.ridgepikeproject.com.