Project Needs

I-95 Northbound at Ramp from US 322

PennDOT intends to improve I-95, US 322, and Bethel Road to enhance access and safety for commuters, residents and commercial interests in the area. Currently, motorists on I-95 face extreme congestion during peak periods at the I-95/US 322 interchange that was designed in the late 1960s for much less traffic.  A major issue is US 322 eastbound traffic merging into the left lane of I-95, then crossing four northbound lanes of I-95 to reach the Commodore Barry Bridge.  A second issue is traffic cannot travel from US 322 east to I-95 south.  Alternative improvement concepts include eliminating this traffic weave by shifting the alignment of the highway to enable US 322 eastbound traffic to enter I-95 northbound from the right side.  Concepts also include the addition of a new ramp to allow traffic to travel US 322 east to I-95 south, a movement that does not exist today.  The improvement project will also upgrade Bethel Road and the interchange with US 322 to better serve trucks and other vehicles utilizing this interchange.

Engle Street Bridge crossing I-95

The Highland Avenue Bridge and the Engle Street Bridge will be reconstructed to accommodate the improvements to the I-95/US 322 interchange. The proposed preferred alternative for the interchange includes three through lanes in each direction on I-95 and a southbound entrance ramp to the Commodore Barry Bridge. This new lane configuration along with the shift of I-95 to the east creates the need to replace the bridges. In addition, the Engle Street Bridge has a sufficiency rating which indicates that it should be rehabilitated or replaced. Each bridge will be built at the same time as the interchange.

Highland Avenue Bridge crossing I-95

Three other projects are already underway in the vicinity of the I-95/US 322 interchange project. The US 322 Reconstruction Project which will widen US 322 and reconstruct the 322/452 interchange is in final design (www.us322-conchester.com). New ramps from the Commodore Barry Bridge to the Chester waterfront are under construction. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment and infrastructure are being installed this year along I-95 from the Delaware State Line to the Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia. PennDOT is installing closed circuit televison, electronic message boards and other devices that communicate information about delays and incidents to drivers. AECOM is coordinating the design and engineering of the I-95/US 322 Interchange Improvement Project with these on-going projects.

Under a separate project, PennDOT will evaluate an extension of Bridgewater Road to relieve congestion on other local roads in the area during peak periods caused by industrial and warehouse development.