Drivers using Interstate 476 in Pennsylvania should prepare for lane closures and potential delays from January 5 to January 8, 2024. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is implementing fiber repair work as part of a significant upgrade aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing safety on this heavily traveled corridor.
Beginning each day from 09:00 to 15:00, a lane closure will be enforced on the northbound side of I-476 between the Media/Swarthmore Interchange at Exit 3 and the Plush Mill Road overpass. PennDOT anticipates considerable backups during this period and advises motorists to allow extra time for their journeys. All activities will be contingent on weather conditions.
High-Tech Overhaul for Traffic Management
This fiber repair work is part of a broader initiative involving a total investment of $10.4 million. The project aims to install Variable Speed Limit and Queue Warning systems over approximately 14.5 miles of the highway, impacting both Delaware and Montgomery counties. These advanced traffic management systems will significantly improve real-time communication with drivers.
Variable Speed Limit systems will dynamically adjust speed limits based on current traffic flow, roadway conditions, and weather. This technology allows drivers to receive timely information, helping to alleviate congestion and improve safety. Queue Warning systems will provide electronic alerts when slowdowns are detected, aiming to mitigate sudden braking incidents and reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
The project is being managed by Kuharchik Construction Inc. of Exeter and is entirely funded by federal dollars. Upon completion, the new systems will be coordinated from PennDOT’s Regional Transportation Management Center, ensuring an integrated approach to traffic management along this critical route.
Advice for Commuters
Given the planned lane restrictions on such a busy stretch of the Blue Route, motorists are strongly encouraged to plan their routes in advance. For real-time traffic updates, lane closure notifications, and delay alerts for Delaware County and surrounding areas, PennDOT recommends visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center before hitting the road.
As the upgrades progress, the introduction of these high-tech systems is expected to yield long-term benefits for drivers, contributing to smoother traffic flow and enhanced safety on one of Pennsylvania’s most significant highways.
