KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 6 recently highlighted over 81 projects slated for bidding this year in the greater Philadelphia region. This massive infrastructure drive reflects an estimated investment of $900 million.
The ambitious array of new projects is also emblematic of the Shapiro administration’s broader vision – a vision of a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation network that provides Pennsylvanians with enhanced access to opportunities, and a smoother ride to prosperity.
Governor Shapiro’s 2023-24 budget has earmarked $125 million to harness federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) investments aimed at improving Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. This strategic move, made possible by the separation of Pennsylvania State Police funding from the Motor License Fund, marks the initial phase of the Governor’s four-year plan to pump an additional $1.25 billion into the state’s infrastructure.
In 2023 alone, bids were solicited to repair, replace, or preserve 684 bridges statewide, and more than 7,000 miles of roadway benefitted from improvements carried out by department or partner crews.
PennDOT District 6 Executive Lou Belmonte predicts a very productive construction season ahead for the Philadelphia region. “Many high-priority projects will be advanced or fast-tracked, thanks to the funding provided by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” he said.
Among the noteworthy new projects expected to go under the hammer this year are a $320 million plan to revamp northbound I-95 and several structures from Wheatsheaf Lane to just north of Margaret Street, and a $170 million initiative to rehabilitate the Market Street bridge over the Schuylkill River in Center City Philadelphia.
Accident rates in work zones are a cause for concern, with 309 crashes – including three fatalities – reported across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in 2023. Keeping in mind the safety of both drivers and construction crews, PennDOT, in collaboration with Pennsylvania State Police and AAA Mid-Atlantic, marked National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 15-19. The goal was to emphasize the need for drivers to exercise caution in work zones, for their own safety and the safety of highway workers and pedestrians alike.
Trooper Jessica Tobin of the Pennsylvania State Police urged motorists not to view work zones as inconveniences, but to remember that the people behind the barricades and detours are there to improve our roads and bridges. “They are our brothers, sisters, and friends,” she said, “and they deserve our utmost respect and vigilance.”
PennDOT is advising travelers to practice safe driving in work zones by slowing down, avoiding distractions, maintaining a safe distance around other vehicles, and being prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. Motorists are also advised to stay alert, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and be ready to adapt rapidly to changing traffic patterns.
This sweeping investment in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure promises to transform journeys across the state, but it also underscores the need for each of us to do our part to keep our roads safe for everyone.
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