After 20 Years, Montco's Lafayette St Extension Project Completed

NORRISTOWN, PA — After two decades of intensive planning and construction, the transformative Lafayette Street extension project has been completed in Norristown, authorities announced this week. Officials hope the project heralds a new era of revitalization for the area, as the way is now cleared for the already-underway Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange.

The $90 million effort represents the largest locally-led transportation project ever in Pennsylvania, officials believe.

"The improvements made to support economic revitalization, provide for traffic congestion relief along the corridor, paired with upgraded trail and pedestrian connections, will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for years to come," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said.

The project reconstructed the length of Lafayette Street, and also extended it from Ford Street to Conshohocken Road, adding 13-foot sidewalks. It widened numerous roads that lead up to the location of the planned interchange. Roads were widened and realigned in both Norristown and Plymouth Township, including Ridge Pike, Conshohocken Road, Diamond Avenue, Fairfield Road, and Lucetta Street.

There is also a new connection between the Schuylkill River Trail and Chester Valley Trail, and stretches of green public space along the corridor.

This work already allows to greater access to Norristown's downtown district, which is in the midst of its own redevelopment. The $430 million new Montgomery County Justice Center is on the way, which will renovate the historic courthouse and add more than 50,000 square feet of new construction. It's slated to be completed by 2025.

Meanwhile, a major revitalization project in the former Baer Building on Main Streetis in the works, and could bring new apartments, restaurants, and an e-Sports facility.

Norristown also saw a new recreation center open in Dec. 2019, $126,000 worth of park renovations completed in Nov. 2019, and a recovery community center announced in January.

Several different county administrations have supported the Lafayette Street project during its 20-year life. Arkoosh called the project an example of "forward-thinking government at its finest."

In addition to the Lafayette Street turnpike interchange already underway, PennDOT also has future plans to construct a half-interchange at U.S. 202 South on the Dannehower Bridge.