Phase 4 Reconstruction Completion

The Phase 4 Reconstruction project involves the 3.5-mile section of I-476 between I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276). This section of I-476 will be over 30 years old when construction begins, and it shows signs of deterioration. However, timely reconstruction now will extend the roadway’s life span for another 50 years.

Click here for a map of the Phase 4 project area.

Work under this contract will include reconstructing I-476's concrete pavement, upgrading acceleration/deceleration lanes, replacing drainage, improving signing and pavement markings, rehabilitating bridges, and repairing sinkholes.

As part of reconstructing I-476, PennDOT will conduct a comprehensive investigation of sinkholes along the corridor. Because of the underlying geology in the area, sinkholes have been identified along I-476 and several have been repaired in past years. During the design phase, PennDOT will conduct field investigations and appropriate testing to identify potential sinkholes and remediate them.

Traffic Impacts

The maintenance and protection of traffic during construction is crucial because this section of I-476 is the critical north/south link between I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Northeast Extension, carrying nearly 64,000 vehicles in each direction every day. Protecting the flow of traffic during construction is essential to accomplishing the project’s goals.

PennDOT will maintain three lanes of traffic at all times, with one lane dedicated to through traffic each way. To maintain traffic during construction, PennDOT will implement an innovative express lane concept. PennDOT recently used this concept with great success during the construction of I-81 in Harrisburg. The express lane pattern enables the same volume of traffic to continue to flow while reducing the number of stages needed for construction and minimizing impacts to the right-of-way.

Project Schedule

The Phase 4 Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in 2011 and be completed in 2013.