PennDOT Aiming To Alleviate Congestion On I-476 In Delco

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — PennDOT is hoping to alleviate congestion on Interstate 476 in Delaware County via two projects.

The first project is the I-476 Section ATC project

Under this project, PennDOT 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.

The second project, I-476 Section HSR, will start in 2026.

This 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, PennDOT said.

It will also 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 on the I-476 Section ATC project began in June.

Under this project, PennDOT will construct the necessary Intelligent Transportation System 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.

The variable speed limit 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 queue 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.

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.

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.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because backups and delays may occur.

All scheduled activities are weather dependent.