MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The forthcoming week promises to test the resilience of Bethlehem Pike’s daily users in Springfield and Whitemarsh townships, Montgomery County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a significant traffic signal construction project set to begin Monday, April 1, through Friday, April 5, as part of a broader safety enhancement initiative along a crucial 1.9-mile corridor.
The heart of the matter lies at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Montgomery Avenue, where lane closures in both directions will be enforced from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM throughout the week. These restrictions, essential for the installation and upgrade of traffic signals, are poised to generate substantial backups and delays, testing the patience of daily commuters and local residents alike.
PennDOT’s ambitious project aims to transform a section of Bethlehem Pike from an undivided four-lane road into a more navigable three-lane section, complete with a two-way left turn lane. Additional enhancements include modifying left-turn signal phasing, coordinating arterial signals, and installing pedestrian countdown timers at select locations to bolster safety. Efforts to improve signal visibility through retroreflective backplates and revitalize the pavement with milling and overlay work underscore the comprehensive nature of these improvements.
The intersections targeted for these upgrades span from the Flourtown Shopping Center Driveway to Hillcrest Avenue, encompassing key junctures such as Mill Road, College Avenue, Bysher Avenue, Wissahickon Avenue, Haws Lane, Sunnybrook Road, and the focal point of next week’s work, Montgomery Avenue.
Contracted to Highway Materials, Inc. of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and financed entirely with federal funds, this project is slated for completion this fall. However, the journey to enhanced roadway safety and efficiency begins with next week’s lane closures, signaling a temporary inconvenience for the promise of long-term benefits.
Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.
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