Norristown's Lafayette Street Reconstruction Picks Up Steam

NORRISTOWN, PA — Officials briefed the public about the impacts and upcoming construction plans for the Lafayette Street Expansion Project at a recent open house event in the borough.

Phase 3 of the ongoing project, which aims to improve access and spur economic development in the Norristown and Plymouth Meeting areas, is now getting underway. Phase 3 involves expanding Lafayette Street between Barbadoes Street and Ford Street.

Some of the work which residents can expect to see:

• Upgraded traffic signals
• Widening of the road
• Relocation of the Schuylkill River Trail and a connection to the Chester Valley Trail at the Freight House, located on DeKalb and Lafayette streets
• More pedestrian accommodations at the Norristown Transportation Center
• Stormwater management work; replacement of Saw Mill Run culvert
• Creation of a park along the Schuylkill River Trail
• Connection to new Lafayette Street (east of Ford Street)

Phase 3 is expected to be completed sometime in the fall of 2020, officials said.

Past roadway expansions did not offer the area convenient access to the region's highway network, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, and I-476, according to the county.

During construction, residents should plan for delays and increased traffic in the area from Barbadoes Street to Ford Street.

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