Drivers in Delaware and Montgomery counties should brace for delays as PennDOT gears up for nighttime roadwork on I-476 next week. As part of an extensive $63.7 million resurfacing project, crews will tackle nearly 17 miles of the Interstate to breathe new life into travel lanes and address critical infrastructure needs. According to PennDOT's announcement, the construction aims to extend the highway's design life and improve the overall ride quality and safety.
The scheduled construction includes overnight lane closures from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, starting Monday, August 19, and lasting through Friday, August 23. Motorists navigating the southbound stretch between the I-76 and I-95 interchanges should anticipate a constricted roadway due to milling and paving operations. Within the same timeframe but in a daylight slot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, crews will also be working on Baltimore Pike for overhead bridge repair, which will include a lane closure with flagging. Delays are inevitable, and PennDOT advises travelers to allow additional time for their commutes.
Two nights of potential gridlocks also loom on Wednesday, August 21, and Thursday, August 22, as workers install Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) between the Route 3 (West Chester Pike) Interchange and the Media/Swarthmore Interchange. These technology upgrades are necessary for enhanced traffic management, but they will result in more lane closures—in both directions no less—from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Beyond the traffic disruptions, this vast improvement initiative involves a spectrum of infrastructure enhancements. According to PennDOT's project summary, in addition to milling and overlaying travel lanes and shoulders, the project's scope includes repairs to 49 structures; improvements to 21 stormwater basins; and updates to sound walls, inlets, and other roadside elements. The main contractor, H&K Group, Inc., headquartered in Skippack, PA, has been charged with shepherding this federally-funded project through to its anticipated completion in late 2025.
Commuters are encouraged to stay informed of any changes by checking for updates on PennDOT's website.
