PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation‘s (PennDOT) Engineering District 6 has concluded a productive construction season, marked by significant infrastructure advancements across the Philadelphia region. The district, encompassing Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, has overseen the initiation and completion of numerous projects, totaling an estimated $786 million in new contracts aimed at enhancing travel and safety on state highways and bridges.
At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony in Philadelphia, Din Abazi, PennDOT District 6 Executive, highlighted the successful culmination of the $107.2 million U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Expressway) Wayne Junction Viaduct Project. “We are thrilled to deliver on this investment to improve and extend the service life of our most critical structures,” Abazi stated. “PennDOT is committed to investing in rebuilding and updating our existing network to provide safe and efficient transportation for all modes of travel.”
Throughout the state, PennDOT’s efforts have resulted in the improvement of 5,385 roadway miles, inclusive of 1,941 miles of paving, alongside advancements on 401 bridges owned by the state and local entities. This extensive work was achieved through 356 construction contracts, executed with private-sector collaboration.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has been instrumental in securing over $300 million in new infrastructure funding, facilitating the maintenance of Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. This funding strategy has reduced the reliance of the Pennsylvania State Police on the Motor License Fund, thereby ensuring sustainable financial support for law enforcement while enhancing transportation funding.
In the southeast region, between January and September, PennDOT and its partners completed 32 construction contracts, improving 134 miles of roadway and addressing the structural integrity of 15 bridges. Looking ahead to 2024, the district anticipates active engagement in 118 construction projects, collectively valued at approximately $3 billion across the five-county area.
Noteworthy projects initiated this year include the U.S. 322 Improvement Project in Delaware County ($99.4 million) and the Five-Points Intersection Safety Improvement Project in Montgomery County ($14.2 million). Additionally, the Interstate 95 Bridges Rehabilitation Project in Philadelphia ($37.4 million) and the Langhorne-Yardley Road Intersection Improvement in Bucks County ($10.6 million) exemplify the district’s focus on critical infrastructure improvements.
Completed or nearing completion in 2024 are significant projects such as the U.S. 1/Roosevelt Expressway Viaduct Rehabilitation in Philadelphia ($107.2 million) and the Bethlehem Pike Safety Improvement Project in Montgomery County ($1.7 million), which underscore the district’s commitment to public safety and efficiency.
Many of these projects have been bolstered by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which contributed at least $115 million in additional funding to the district’s initiatives this year. This support has enabled the swift progression of infrastructure projects within the region, as allocated by PennDOT and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).
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