Dear Friends,
This week’s email is a bit brief as I have two back-to-back weeks away in Harrisburg, but I wanted to write with a quick update regarding the construction project on 202. My office has continued communications with PennDOT, township officials, and construction managers about progress on the project, its timeline and what we can expect in coming months, and I am writing to give you the most recent updates. I know all of us are weary from the ongoing construction. When I recall that I was pregnant when they began grading portions of this project and how I used to jokingly hope the newly graded road would put me into labor when I was close to my due date -- and that I now have a 5-year-old -- I reflect on just how big this project has been!
PennDOT continues to work on two projects to widen and improve 7.5 miles of Route 202 from Johnson Highway to Swedesford Road. These projects are what remain of the original large-scale projects spanning East Norriton, Whitpain, and Lower Gwynedd Townships. For a visual reference, a map of the widening project can be found here.
The two remaining projects on 202 in Whitpain are titled “Section 61N” which covers Township Line Road to Morris Road, and “Section 61S” from Johnson Highway to Township Line Road at the East Norriton Township/Whitpain Township dividing line.
Section 61N remains on schedule for completion this September!
On Skippack Pike, the contractor for this project has completed the installation of guide rail and pavement markings for the roadway. Currently, traffic has been shifted onto the new westbound pavement between Center Square Shopping Center and Whitney Drive and the third stage of reconstruction of Skippack Pike has started.
The demolition of an old culvert at 2nd Avenue has been completed. The contractor is currently excavating the old concrete roadway so that new storm drainage can be installed – this is taking place on the west leg of Skippack Pike. As we head into spring, the contractor will install a new culvert at 2nd Avenue. Following that will be the demolition and installation of a new culvert on the east leg of Skippack Pike, opposite to Wells Fargo. Once both culverts are installed, a new concrete roadway will be constructed between both culverts and through the entire intersection.
PennDOT has stated that the construction of the new concrete roadway will happen in phases and will require 202 traffic be shifted from the northbound side of the road to the southbound side so the work can be completed.
This summer, the contractor will be focusing on profiling and paving of the final wearing course on 202 from Morris Road to the PA Turnpike Bridge. For a visual reference of the work to be done, you can view the March 2025 61N update here.
Section 61S is still on schedule to be completed by the end of 2027.
As I have shared in previous updates, this section of the 202 project has involved significant utility relocation work as well as water main and sanitary sewer installations. Some utility relocation work remains to be completed within section 61S. However, the contractors involved in the project have made progress in these efforts.
On Township Line Road (at the East Norriton/Whitpain dividing line), the PECO Gas contractor has completed the installation of a new 12” steel gas main east of 202 and has replaced the old gas main within the Township Line Road intersection.
Work is currently being done on Germantown Pike to install new sanitary sewer manholes and piping. Once this work is done, full roadway construction of the west side of 202 will be underway. Traffic patterns will be impacted, as traffic westbound will be reduced. A single lane configuration will be implemented later this spring.
Between Germantown Pike and Township Line Road, the contractor has completed the construction of footing slabs for a noise barrier wall between U.S. 202 and Dekalb Boulevard. As we head into the spring, the contractor will continue with construction of cast-in-place stem walls, and installation of noise wall posts and panels will follow later.
North of the Germantown Pike intersection, the contractor has also started the reconstruction of the bridge. The old bridge deck and south abutment demolition have been completed, and construction of the new abutment on the southside is underway.
Going into the spring and continuing into the summer, there will be construction of the south side abutment and the demolition and reconstruction of the north side abutment to follow. Once the abutments have been constructed, the contractor will install the new prestressed concrete beams and begin construction of the new bridge deck.
Between Germantown Pike and Jefferson Crossing Boulevard, construction of a temporary sediment basin has been completed. The construction of new drainage systems on the southbound side of the roadway is underway. Stormwater drainage pipes and inlets will be installed this spring. Additionally, existing pavement will be removed to prepare for the new subgrade and construction of the new curb and sidewalk. Lastly, on 202 between Jefferson Crossing Boulevard and Carriage Lane, work remains to complete the curb and sidewalk on the southbound side of 202 this spring.
Paving operations are anticipated in mid-April between Jefferson Crossing and Johnson Highway, as well as on Johnson Highway and Carriage Lane. Following this will be full depth pavement reconstruction within the intersection of Johnson Highway. This work will require multiple shifts in traffic at 202 and Johnson Highway so all parts of the intersection can be completed and traffic restrictions or detours should be expected. For a visual reference of the work, the March 2025 update of Section 61S can be viewed here.
My office successfully advocated for a web page for the 202 Widening Project so that you are able to keep up to date on all things 202-project related. Please know that my office is always happy to hear any concerns you have about the project and pass them along to PennDOT on your behalf. As a reminder, if there are particular issues around road safety and drivability which are impacting you, please contact our office at (610) 277-3230. Finally, you can always reach out to PennDOT directly at the CCC Home Page.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend at my combined electronics waste recycling and shredding event! I return to Harrisburg next week and look forward to providing you with updates regarding bills moving through the legislative process.