There is a plan to make improvements to Ridge Pike between the Norristown and Philadelphia border (that means the section in Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships, a portion which has a Conshohocken address). This five mile section carries between 20,000 and 30,000 vehicles each day. The road originally dates back to the colonial era and connected Philadelphia to farmland outside the city. The modern road was developed in the 1930’s and was reconstructed in concrete in the 1970’s.
On its website, Montgomery County outlines several challenges in improving the road. They are:
- Most of Ridge Pike and its drainage system are in poor condition
- Left turns are difficult at some locations
- There is congestion along the length of the corridor
- The connection to I-476 is confusing
- Older buildings and other features are close to the road
- There are few pedestrian and transit amenities
The county also shares the solutions:
- The roadway needs a full reconstruction
- Stormwater management facilities need to be upgraded
- New signals and turn lanes are needed at several locations
- An additional eastbound through lane is needed between Church Road and Manor Road
- Sidewalks and bus shelters are needed throughout the corridor
The five miles slated for improvement will require some very complex engineering in areas near the PA Turnpike, the Norfolk Southern rail lines, and the Sunoco pipeline. The project has been divided into several manageable segments for engineering and construction. Design is progressing for several segments at this time.
On Monday, June 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the Montgomery County Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to inform the public on this project and answer questions. The meeting will be held at Whitemarsh Township’s municipal building. Learn the full details on this public meeting below:
