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| COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE | |||||
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| Pa. Turnpike Announces 12-Month Delay in Construction of Six-Lane Widening Project Milepost 320-326 project was scheduled to start in early 2013 for completion in late 2015. |
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| The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced today that it anticipates at least a one-year delay to start construction of its total reconstruction and six-lane widening project in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion townships, Chester and Montgomery counties. The project had been scheduled get under way in early 2013 and be completed by late 2015. “We know that residents and Turnpike travelers are anxious to see this project completed,” said Turnpike Chief Engineer Brad Heigel. “We recognize the significant value of this project in improving the movement of people and goods in the region, as well as its benefits to neighboring residents with the construction of sound barriers and stormwater-management facilities that are not now in place.” The Commission anticipates the completion of right-of-way negotiations, clearance of utilities and final design by April 2013. Two permit applications, one for stormwater management and erosion and sediment control and another one for wetland and stream impacts, were submitted to environmental agencies in September 2011. Even though the Commission met with the agencies prior to permit submission, it recently received major, unanticipated review comments; the start of construction must be delayed since the timeframe for permit approvals is now uncertain. “The Commission and the agencies continue to work closely to resolve outstanding issues,” said Heigel. “Both parties are eager to see this vital project advance to construction in a timely manner while at the same time protecting the commonwealth’s natural resources.” The project area begins at milepost 320 (at the Route 29 all-electronic interchange set to open in December 2012) and continues east to milepost 326 (Valley Forge Interchange). This stretch of Turnpike is the busiest four-lane section of the east-west mainline, used by more than 50,000 motorists daily. The Milepost 320-326 project — with an estimated construction cost of $250 million, is part of the Turnpike’s $2 billion total-reconstruction program begun in 1999 under which more than 100 miles of roadway have been reconstructed. For more information on project updates or to sign up to receive E-Bulletins and Project Newsletters, visit the project web site, www.paturnpike.com/ConstructionProjects/mp320to326/. |
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