Continuing Overnight Lane Closures on I-476, Ridge Pike and Chemical Road in Montgomery County Next Week
Preparations nearing completion for a mid-March start of southbound reconstruction
King of Prussia – Overnight lane closures and intermittent traffic stoppages again will be in place next week (March 7-12) on Interstate 476 in Montgomery County as crews continue preparations for a mid-March start of southbound reconstruction between the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange and the Interstate 76 Interchange, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced today.
I-476 northbound and southbound motorists will face lane closures and possible slowdowns from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sunday night through Friday morning (March 7-12) when traveling between I-76 (Exit 16) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Mid-County (Exit 20). Intermittent brief traffic stoppages also may occur each evening between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m.
The lane closures will allow crews will continue to eradicate traffic lines, paint new lines and set concrete barriers on the interstate.
I-476 drivers also may encounter closed shoulders weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as shifting traffic patterns at entrance and exit ramps at both the I-76 and Ridge Pike (Exit 18) interchanges during the nighttime operations.
Other Nighttime Restrictions
Nighttime lane closures also may be in place from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sunday night through Friday morning (March 7-12) on Ridge Pike between Alan Wood and Chemical roads in Plymouth Township. Crews there are widening the shoulders on both sides of the bridge over I-476.
In addition, lane closures also may be in place in either direction on Chemical Road from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sunday through Friday morning between Ridge Pike and Gallagher Road in Plymouth Township for installation of protective shielding on the underside of the I-476 overpass. One of the two left-turn lanes on the ramp from I-476 north to Chemical Road also may be closed during this operation.
The work schedule is dependent on the weather and some operations may be postponed to the following evening in the event of snow or rain.
Crews are working to create a southbound “express lane” -- that is expected to be put into service in mid-March when reconstruction begins on the outside half of southbound I-476 -- and complete other preparations for the start of the first major stage of PennDOT’s $71.7 million project to reconstruct 3.2 miles of I-476.
Construction also is currently underway to refurbish and re-deck the southbound bridge over the Schuylkill River (Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge) under a $47.4 million contract that began in 2009. Work on the northbound bridge was completed last year and the outside half of the southbound bridge is currently under construction.
PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on I-476 or other major highways before heading out.
For more information, and to sign up for e-mail alerts about this project, visit
www.476blueroute.com.