Major sign structure replacement is set to shake things up on I-476. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), starting Monday, April 22, northbound road warriors will hit a 15-minute snag on the ramp to MacDade Boulevard. This work was originally slated for April 17 but, the rain had other plans, pushing the schedule back. While PennDOT is promising a smoother ride in the long run, anyone cruising through Ridley Township come next Monday night should brace for backups.

This isn't just a one-off inconvenience; it's part of a bigger $18.1 million dance PennDOT's doing to enhance travel and safety along MacDade Boulevard, and at the interchange. So if you're rolling through from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM – you’ve been warned, expect delays, and maybe grab an extra coffee. PennDOT suggests setting aside some additional time to navigate the work zone, but let's be real – plan for a headache.

A slew of upgrades aiming at cutting down crashes and bringing facilities up to scratch with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We're talking a new left turn lane on eastbound MacDade at Bullens Lane, snazzier traffic signals, and curb ramps that are by the book when it comes to current ADA standards.

High-tech goodies are also on the blueprint, with two dynamic message signs and CCTV cameras slated to pop up along this stretch between Bullens Lane, and Fairview Road to streamline communication. Plus, the revamp includes bulking up the ramp from northbound I-476 to MacDade Boulevard and adding auxiliary lanes on I-476 meant to ease the usual squeeze of traffic. And let’s not forget, the pedestrian bridge over Crum Creek is getting a facelift with a new one built right next to MacDade Boulevard.

All this work doesn't come cheap - but Uncle Sam's picking up 80% of the tab, with the state covering the rest. Local construction firm Allan Myers, LP has the reins on the project, which just goes to show, big or small, change is coming to MacDade Boulevard. So plan ahead, buckle up, and keep an eye out for those PennDOT updates.