Route 202 Widening Nears Completion

WEST CHESTER (April 2) – State Senator Andy Dinniman announced today that the completion date is finally in sight for the project to widen and improve Route 202 to three lanes in each direction in Chester County.

Over the next two years, PennDOT will finish widening and improving 2.5 miles of Route 202 northbound between Route 401 and Route 30. Southbound widening and reconstruction of this area was substantially completed in late 2014. The northbound side is expected to be completed by mid-2016, along with the addition of a concrete median and inside shoulders.

“The project means a smoother, safer and shorter commute for the thousands of motorists who travel this stretch of Route 202 each day,” Dinniman said. “I look forward to its completion and I will continue to work to ensure that this project stays on or ahead of schedule and gets the priority that it deserves.”

As part of the widening project, crews will also:

• Reconstruct and widen the northbound Route 202 bridges over Planebrook Road and Route 401.
• Reconstruct and widen the northbound Route 202 on-off ramps at the Route 401 Interchange.
• Erect sound walls along northbound Route 202 at the Swedesford Road overpass; between Planebrook Road and Route 30; and north of Route 401.
• Install storm water drainage systems.

The work is part of a larger, long-term initiative to improve the Route 202 corridor. Since 1999, more than nine miles of the expressway between Interstate 76 and Route 401 have been widened, rebuilt and improved.

Last fall, PennDOT opened four miles of newly rebuilt, repaved and widened Route 202 in Tredyffrin and East Whiteland. Route 202 is now three lanes in each direction from Route 252/Swedesford Road to Route 401, in addition to new northbound collector-distributor lanes at Route 29. That portion of the project also included the rebuilding of eight ramps and almost 22,000 feet of sound walls to reduce traffic noise.

“Now with the planned Route 202 widening slated for completion, my next objective to work with PennDOT to make it a priority to widen the Route 30 Bypass between the Downingtown and Thorndale exits, which is an area of heavy congestion and multiple accidents at rush hour,” Dinniman said. “With the Route 202 widening almost completed, this area will likely see increased traffic buildup and we need to ensure that it is safe for motorists.”