Community Corner

New Turnpike Interchange to Open in December

The ramps connecting I-76 to Route 29 in East Whiteland will be EZ-Pass-only.

Back in March 2011, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission broke ground on a new interchange in East Whiteland. At the ceremony, the PTC said construction of Exit 320, connecting I-76 to Route 29, would be complete in fall 2012. 

Is the project on schedule? Malvern Patch reached out to PTC spokesperson Mimi Doyle for an update. 

When will it open?

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The interchange is tentatively scheduled to open the week of Dec. 10, 2012.

How much will the toll cost?

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Traveling one exit in either direction—to Downingtown or Valley Forge—will cost $1 when the interchange opens. The price will increase 2 percent in 2013, along with all other electronic fares. Find the fare for your exact route with the online toll calculator.

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How will it connect to Route 29?

From the PTC's project overview (click the link for a diagram):

Motorists will enter and exit the new interchange from an access ramp that connects with existing Route 29/Morehall Road at a new signalized, multi-lane intersection about a half mile south of Yellow Springs Road. About 2,000 feet of Route 29/Morehall Road south of the new intersection will be widened to provide dedicated turn lanes to the new access ramp.

Can drivers pay cash?

No. There will be no manned tollbooths at the Route 29 interchange—all vehicles must be equipped with an E-ZPass transponder for toll payment. The PTC announced Oct. 15 that E-ZPass will be sold at Wegmans.

Why are they building it?

From the Project Overview:

The new interchange will shorten commuting times to and from the Great Valley Corporate Center, the Commons at Great Valley, the Atwater campus and other nearby commercial areas and residential communities [like Uptown Worthington].

How much does it cost to build?

The estimated price for construction, engineering and inspection is $60 million. Worcester-based Alan A. Myers is the general contractor.

What will it look like?

An aerial rendering of the finished project is in the media gallery above. Click here to see the full-size rendering.

Which aspects of construction are complete? 

The PTC maintains a webpage with updates about the project, but here's the quick version:

  • All bridge decks completed.
  • Bridge parapet work 85% completed.
  • Painting of concrete, architectural treatment in progress will go to the end.
  • Roadway concrete 90% completed.
  • Mainline bituminous 95% completed.
  • Toll plaza electronics in progress, will go to the end.
  • Drainage completed, final grading, basins, seeding in progress.
  • Route 29 widening base and binder completed, final mill/overlay remains.
  • New interchange signing in progress.
  • SNAPS on I-76 and rumble strips on Rt. 29, signing to be completed at the end.

See also:

'Who does the PTC answer to anyway?'

Town Hall Provides Details About Transportation Projects on Routes 202 and 29

Turnpike Tolls to Increase in 2013

Turnpike Commission Breaks Ground on New Interchange in East Whiteland

Take Our Poll: 70 mph Speed Limit on Turnpike?


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