New Traffic Light Precedes Construction Backups

The new traffic light on Route 401 (Conestoga Road) at the entrance to the East Whiteland Township Building is still covered in burlap. When it's switched on, it will serve two purposes, according to township manager Terry Woodman.

First, when construction begins soon at the intersection with Route 202, traffic is expected to back up on Route 401 past the township building driveway. The new traffic signal will help vehicles exiting the township building driveway—including police and Chester Valley Trail users—during times of congestion. 

Second, the new signal, along with the light at Route 401 and Mill Lane, will help clear the road for exiting firetrucks when the planned new fire station is constructed. The station, which will be the new home of East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association, will be situated on the south side of the road between those two traffic signals.

When will the traffic signal be turned on?

The signal controller box was installed next to the township building driveway, and is a visual obstruction. It will be relocated across the street, then the burlap covers will be removed and the light will blink for at least a week.

When it is fully activated, it will stay green for Route 401 unless triggered by a vehicle waiting at the township building driveway, according to Woodman. The lights will also be equipped with the Emergency Vehicle Preemption system.

What's the construction that will back up traffic on Route 401?

PennDOT is continuing to widen Route 202 and perform related work on nearby roadways:

PennDOT’s contractor will start work in early 2013 to rebuild and expand Route 202 between the Route 401 and Route 30 interchanges. This work is scheduled to finish in May 2016.

In addition to widening Route 202 from four lanes to six, crews will rebuild and improve the Route 202/Route 401 Interchange; reconstruct bridges over Route 401 and Planebrook Road; replace the bridge over Chester Valley Trail; erect three miles of sound walls; build a 32-space park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Route 322 and Lloyd Avenue in Caln Township; install Intelligent Transportation System components; landscape the area; and build storm water management and mitigation sites.