Alternatives

The I-95/US 322 Interchange Improvement Project involves the improvement of Interstate 95 and its interchange with US 322, the US 322 and Bethel Road interchange and the reconstruction of the Highland Avenue and Engle Street bridges.

I-95/US 322 Interchange

The current combinations of improvements under consideration by PennDOT for the I-95/US 322 interchange and the interchange of Bethel Road with US 322 are described and illustrated below.

All four combinations show I-95 being shifted to the east to minimize impacts to private properties including those located in the Highland Gardens Historic District. All four combinations are based on building a loop ramp at the interchange. Combinations 1A and 3A offer a loop ramp but neither provides direct access between Highland Avenue and I-95. 3E-1 and 3E-2 provide the direct connection to Highland Avenue. The difference between the two options is that 3E-2 proposes a new ramp connecting I-95 North to US 322 West and 3E-1 does not. Combinations 3E-1 and 3E-2 each accommodate Option 5 of the proposed improvement to the US322/Bethel Road interchange.

PennDOT recommends carrying forward combinations 3E-2 as the proposed preferred alternative for further engineering. 3E-2 minimizes impacts, provides a direct connection between Highland Avenue and I-95, and provides an interchange that allows for the movement of traffic in all directions.

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Bethel Road Options

Five improvement options were developed specifically for the US 322/Bethel Road Interchange. CSX is the major property owner in the area and it is important that its entryway and facility are not negatively affected by the project. Bethel Road Option 5 maintains current access from US 322 East to Bethel Road.

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Highland Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

The Highland Avenue Bridge will be reconstructed along its current alignment. It currently contains two travel lanes in each direction with a sidewalk on both sides of the bridge for pedestrians. One travel lane in each direction and a sidewalk will be open at all times during construction. PennDOT is working with the City of Chester to refine the design and it will be presented to the public at the next meeting for the I-95/US 322 Interchange Improvement Project.

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Engle Street Bridge Reconstruction

Two primary alignment alternatives were developed for the Engle Street Bridge and they appear below. The first alternative shifts the alignment of the bridge by 8' and the second alternative shifts the alignment of the bridge by 53' to the north. Of these configurations, the alternative which shifts the alignment of the bridge by 8' appears to best meet the needs of PennDOT and the local community. This alternative minimizes impacts, keeps one lane open for traffic at all times, and maintains a sidewalk for pedestrians. Temporary traffic signals will be required on both sides of the bridge to direct traffic one way at a time over the structure. PennDOT is working with Chester Township to refine the preferred alternative and it will be presented at the next public meeting.

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