I-476 Active Traffic Management Projects
Overview
The first project is the I-476 Section ATC project, will implement Active Traffic Management strategies including variable speed limit and queue detection systems to better manage congestion and improve safety along approximately 14.1 miles of Interstate 476 including at the I-476/I-95 interchange. The limits of the project on I-476 are from the I-95 Interchange on the south end to just north of the Exit 13 SR 30 Lancaster Avenue Interchange on the north end.
The proposed roadside equipment will be connected to the Regional Traffic Management Center through the existing fiber optic communication system established within the project limits. All facilities will be installed in existing PennDOT Legal Right-of-Way.
The second project will be constructed starting in 2026. It is the I-476 Section HSR project which will provide operational improvements on I-476 between the Route 3 and I-95 interchanges, and on I-95 between the I-476 and U.S. 322 interchanges. This project will provide a series of measures that will allow for the dynamic management of recurrent congestion based on prevailing and predicted traffic conditions. Specifically, the inside shoulders of I-476 will be expanded to allow for these shoulders to be opened/closed on a temporary basis in response to congestion or incidents. Additionally, adaptive ramp metering will be used to dynamically adjust signals at the ramp entrances to proactively manage vehicle flow from on ramps.
The work will likely include: upgrade of existing roadway shoulders to a consistent width and pavement thickness, relocation of drainage inlets in some shoulders, traffic signal modifications at interchanges, construction of gantries for signs and ITS devices, removal or upgrade of existing ramp metering devices, construction of emergency pull off areas, and providing better access for emergency responders to enter and exit the highway(s) during incidents.
Construction
Construction on the I-476 Section ATC project begins on Monday, June 10, 2024, to install and integrate Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and Queue Warning (QW) systems to better manage congestion and improve traffic safety operations on approximately 14.5 miles of Interstate 476 in Delaware and Montgomery counties.
Under this project, PennDOT will construct the necessary Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) conduits, queue detectors, variable speed limit signage, dynamic message signs, and the technological systems necessary to operate the system from PennDOT's new Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC).
The VSL systems on I-476 will display regulatory speed limits that can change based on real-time expressway, traffic and weather conditions to improve traffic flow and safety by warning drivers of changing travel conditions.
The installation of the QW systems will provide real-time displays of electronic warning messages to alert motorists of significant slowdowns ahead to reduce sudden stopping and the potential for rear-end crashes. These new devices will operate in conjunction with the existing ITS components in place on I-476 in Delaware and Montgomery counties.
The limits for this project are on I-476 South from approximately 1.8 miles north of the U.S. 30 Interchange (Exit 13) to I-95; and on I-476 North from I-95 to Marple Road near the Route 3 Interchange (Exit 9).
Kuharchik Construction Inc., of Exeter, Pa., is the general contractor on the project, which is financed with 100 percent federal funds.
Physical construction on this project is expected to be completed by early 2026. System testing and refinement of the modules that drive the system will continue through 2028.
Traffic Impacts
Most travel restrictions under this project will take place at night during off-peak travel times. Depending on the activity, there may be some daytime traffic restrictions; however, all I-476 travel lanes must be open during peak morning and evening travel times unless there is an emergency.
Beginning Monday, June 10, motorists can expect weekday shoulder closures from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on sections of northbound and southbound I-476 throughout the project limits for early construction activities.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because backups and delays may occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.