Construction Update: Winter 2022-23

Construction This Winter on Two New U.S. 1 Bridges North of the Turnpike; U.S. 1 Improvements Completed South of the Turnpike

With U.S. 1 improvements between Old Lincoln Highway and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Bucks County (Section RC1) completed in December 2022 (see below), construction this winter will focus on the construction of two new bridges north of the Turnpike (Section RC2).

Section RC1 roadway, bridge, and interchange construction between the Turnpike Interchange and Old Lincoln Highway in Bensalem Township, the first of three construction projects for PennDOT’s U.S. 1 Bucks Improvement Project, finished in early December. Section RC1 construction began in late 2018, reconstructed and widened one mile of U.S. 1, and replaced bridges over Street Road (Route 132), the Turnpike and its ramps, and Bristol Road. The U.S. 1/Street Road (Route 132) interchange also was reconstructed.

RC2

Last fall work was finished on the new northbound U.S. 1 bridge over the rail lines at the Penndell/Business U.S. 1 Interchange. Two lanes of traffic in each direction were shifted onto the new structure while the contractor completed construction of the northbound section of the new U.S. 1 bridge over the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange. All lanes of traffic were subsequently shifted onto the new span to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the southbound side that began in early January (see below).

U.S.1 excavation north of the Turnpike continues in the northbound and southbound shoulder areas for the construction of an additional travel lane in both directions on U.S. 1 through the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange.

Additionally, construction continues to replace the northbound side of the U.S. 1 bridge over Rockhill Drive (see right) to accommodate the widening on U.S. 1. Both directions of U.S. 1 traffic travel on the existing southbound side during this bridge construction. The on-ramp to southbound U.S.1 from Rockhill Drive remains closed for construction to improve the interchange.

Section RC2 is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

The contracts, RC1 and RC2, are part of PennDOT’s three-phase project to improve four miles of U.S.1 in Bucks County by reconstructing and widening the pavement, building several bridges, and improving several interchanges along a continuous section of the highway in Bensalem and Middletown townships.

PennDOT in 2014 completed $14.8 million in improvements at the U.S. 1/Maple Avenue Interchange in Middletown Township as part of their overall initiative to modernize and upgrade the U.S. 1 corridor in Bucks County.

Wolf Administration Recaps Robust 2022 Construction Season Across Southeast Pennsylvania

PENNDOT MARKS COMPLETION OF FIRST OF THREE U.S. 1 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN BUCKS COUNTY

December 7, 2022 – PennDOT District 6 Executive Lou Belmonte was joined by local and elected officials in Bensalem Township, Bucks County today to celebrate the completion of the U.S. 1 Section RC1 improvement project and to highlight the departments’ 2022 construction season that included 55 new contracts worth an estimated $800 million to repair, reconstruct and improve state highways and bridges across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

“It’s a significant achievement to deliver these types of large investments to improve our roadways and bridges,” said District 6 Executive Louis Belmonte. “From large scale corridor-wide programs and intersection improvement projects to roadway resurfacing and repairing bridges, we’re laser-focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of our transportation network.”

PennDOT District 6 currently has more than 135 projects currently under construction valued at more than $2 billion. Several of the projects are supported and accelerated by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). In 2022 alone, the BIL is bringing at least $115 million in additional funding to the District 6 region to be allocated by the department and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Some of the most notable construction projects that began this year include:

  • Interstate 95 Section CP3: $53.2 million project to construct a new ramp from Cottman Avenue (Route 73) to southbound I-95 in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia and perform roadway and utility improvements in the area of the interchange.
  • I-476/MacDade Boulevard Improvements: $16.2 million project to improve travel and safety on a section of MacDade Boulevard and at the northbound Interstate 476 and MacDade Boulevard Interchange in Ridley Township, Delaware County.
  • Worthington Mill Road Bridge Replacement: $4.5 million project to replace the Worthington Mill Road bridge over Neshaminy Creek in Wrightstown and Northampton townships, Bucks County.
  • West Coulter Street Bridge Replacement: $3.7 million project to replace the West Coulter Street bridge superstructure over SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill West line in Philadelphia.
  • Route 162 (Embreeville Road) Bridge Replacement: $1.7 million project to replace the Route 162 (Embreeville Road) bridge over West Branch of Brandywine Creek in Newlin Township, Chester County.
  • Old Skippack Road Roundabout: $1.6 million project to construct a roundabout to improve travel and safety at the intersection of Old Skippack Road and Schwenksville Road/Shelly Road in Upper Salford Township, Montgomery County.

Some of the most notable projects that were completed this year include:

  • I-95 Section GR4: $328.3 million project to rebuild and improve 1.5 miles of southbound Interstate 95 between Allegheny Avenue and Columbia Avenue in Philadelphia. The project also includes replacement of the mile-long I-95 southbound viaduct and the associated southbound ramps at Girard Avenue.
  • Chestnut Street Bridges: $104.7 million project to rehabilitate and improve Chestnut Street over the Schuylkill River and several nearby bridges.
  • Route 320 Hanging Rock: $9.2 million project to reconstruct, improve and realign the roadway away from the historic Hanging Rock in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.
  • King Street Bridge: $4.2 million project to replace the bridge carrying Route 663 (King Street) over Manatawny Creek in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County.
  • New Hanover Square Bridge: $2.7 million project to replace the bridge carrying New Hanover Square Road over a branch of Swamp Creek in New Hanover Township, Montgomery County.
  • Little Washington Road Bridge: $1.4 million project to replace the bridge carrying the highway over Culbertson Run in East Brandywine Township, Chester County.

The news conference today also celebrated the completion of PennDOT’s $94.5 million U.S. 1 Section RC1 project to widen and reconstruct more than a mile of U.S. 1 between Old Lincoln Highway and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and improve the U.S. 1 interchanges at the Turnpike and at Street Road (Route 132).

Section RC1 also included replacement of U.S. 1 bridges over Street Road (Route 132), the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Turnpike’s interchange ramps with wider structures to accommodate additional lanes on U.S. 1. The new bridges have improved vertical clearance for the increased height of today’s commercial vehicles. The Bristol Road bridge over U.S. 1 also was replaced with a longer span to provide room for widening U.S. 1 that is currently underway as part of the adjacent Section RC2 project.

Additionally, under the Section RC 1 contract, the old guide rail median on U.S. 1 was replaced with a new concrete median/glare screen, a northbound lane was added at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Old Lincoln Highway, a new stormwater drainage system was installed, and sound walls were added along southbound U.S. 1 south of the Turnpike.

The project also included major improvements to the U.S. 1/Street Road (Route 132) Interchange. The original ramps to and from U.S. 1 north were replaced with new ramps at a signalized intersection on the south side of the interchange. The ramps from U.S. 1 South to eastbound and westbound Street Road (Route 132) and from westbound Street Road (Route 132) also were replaced at a new signalized intersection. And a new ramp to southbound U.S. 1 from eastbound Street Road (Route 132) also was constructed.

Ramps to and from U.S. 1 and the Turnpike interchange were reconstructed with improved turning geometry to meet current design standards. A second lane was added to the ramp from northbound U.S. 1 to the Turnpike and from southbound U.S. 1 to the Turnpike.

Section RC1 is the first of three construction contracts that comprise PennDOT’s U.S. 1 Improvement Project to widen U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway), replace aging bridges, and complete a number of highway safety enhancements along a five-mile segment of U.S. 1 that extends from Old Lincoln Highway to just north of the Corn Crib Lane overpass in Bensalem and Middletown townships and Langhorne Manor and Langhorne boroughs.

Construction is currently underway on Section RC2 to the north, where U.S. 1 is being widened and new bridges are under construction over the Neshaminy Creek, over ramps and rail lines at the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange, and over Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy Interchange.

A third project, Section RC3, will improve U.S. 1 from north of the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange to north of the Corn Crib Lane overpass in Middletown Township and Langhorne Manor and Langhorne boroughs. Section RC3 is currently progressing through the preliminary engineering stage and is anticipated to move into final design in early 2024.  The project is advancing toward construction beginning in late 2026.

Information about infrastructure in District 6, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D6Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov

Subscribe to PennDOT District 6 news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.gov/District6.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Construction Update: Fall 2022

Section RC1 Substantially Completed. Three New Bridges Under Construction North of the PA Turnpike

The project to improve U.S. 1 in Bucks County reaches significant milestones this fall with the substantial completion of Section RC1 and completion of two new bridges north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Section RC1, the first of three construction projects for PennDOT’s U.S. 1 Bucks Improvement Project, will be completed this fall after nearly four years of construction to widen and improve the roadway between the Turnpike Interchange and Old Lincoln Highway. Section RC2 remains focused on the construction of new U.S. 1 bridges over the Neshaminy Creek, over Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy Exit, and over the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange.


RC1

The first of three projects under PennDOT’s initiative to improve travel and safety on the U.S. 1 corridor in Bucks County, the $95 million Section RC1 contract between Old Lincoln Highway and the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Bensalem Interchange will be substantially finished in early fall.

Under construction since late 2018, Section RC1 reconstructed and widened approximately one mile of U.S. 1, and replaced bridges over Street Road (Route 132), the Turnpike and its ramps. The Bristol Road bridge over U.S. 1 also was replaced under this first section to accelerate work on the U.S. 1 widening currently underway under Section RC2.

In addition, a third travel lane was constructed in each direction, medians were widened to provide 12-foot-wide inside shoulders, and driveway accesses from U.S. 1 to Street Road were relocated. The road’s profile also was raised to improve vertical clearances over Street Road (Route 132), the Turnpike and its ramps.

The U.S. 1 interchange with Street Road (Route 132) also was reconstructed. The westbound Street Road (Route 132) ramp was relocated to the south side of the highway, where it shares a new signalized intersection, with turn lanes, with the off-ramp from northbound U.S. 1. Ramps to and from southbound U.S. 1 were constructed west of U.S. 1, with access at another new signalized intersection.

Left-turn lanes also were added in both directions at the Turnpike’s westbound slip ramp intersection on Street Road (Route 132), and a new on-ramp from eastbound Street Road (Route 132) to southbound U.S. 1 was added.

Section RC1 included replacement of the ramps to and from U.S.1 and the Turnpike interchange. 

Post-construction “punch list” adjustments, with associated short-term travel restrictions, may continue in the RC1 work area through spring 2023


RC2

Section RC2 construction north of the Turnpike continued with excavation in the northbound and southbound shoulder areas, where an additional lane will be built in each direction through the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange.

Also at that interchange, the northbound ramp to Penndel/Business U.S. 1 has been reconstructed and widened. A temporary traffic signal is in place during construction at the turn-around at the bottom of the ramp to southbound Old Lincoln Highway.

On the southbound side, crews completed deck construction on the new southbound U.S. 1 bridge over the Neshaminy Creek and began construction of the third southbound lane south of the bridge through to the Neshaminy Interchange. The bridge is currently being used as the on-ramp to southbound U.S. 1 from Old Lincoln Highway while the new mainline bridge approach is being constructed.

A major traffic pattern shift is expected in spring 2023 that will move two lanes of northbound and southbound U.S. 1 traffic onto the new southbound bridge, allowing the existing bridge to be dismantled and demolished over the winter months. Once the bridge and its supports are removed, work will get underway to build the new northbound structure.

North of the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 interchange, construction also is progressing on the new northbound bridge over the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange and the adjacent rail lines (see above). At the completion of this structure later this fall, two lanes each of northbound and southbound U.S. 1 traffic will be moved onto the new span and then shifted to the west as part of the traffic shift onto the new southbound bridge over Neshaminy Creek. Work will begin to remove and replace the original southbound bridge.

The section of Old Lincoln Highway between the southbound on-ramp and Bristol Road also was reconstructed over the summer and reopened in early fall.

In late summer, following work started on replacing the U.S. 1 bridge over Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy Exit. U.S. 1 traffic was shifted to the existing southbound bridge, and work is now underway to replace the northbound side of the overpass with a wider structure to accommodate the widening on U.S. 1. The on-ramp to southbound U.S. 1 from Rockhill Drive has been closed for construction to improve the interchange. Section RC2 is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

The contracts, RC1 and RC2, are part of PennDOT’s three-phase project to improve four miles of U.S. 1 in Bucks County by reconstructing and widening the pavement, replacing several bridges, and improving several interchanges along a three-mile section of highway in Bensalem and Middletown townships.

PennDOT in 2014 completed $14.8 million in improvements at the U.S. 1/Maple Avenue Interchange in Middletown Township as part of their overall initiative to modernize and upgrade the U.S. 1 corridor in Bucks County.

PennDOT Phases in Newly-Designed Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that, as part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT is updating the design and enhancing the security features of its driver’s license and identification card products.

“The update is an important component of PennDOT’s ongoing work to enhance and protect the integrity of the driver’s license and identification card issuance process,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said.

PennDOT is piloting the new products at the Summerdale Driver License Center in Enola beginning September 12, 2022. All Driver and Photo centers will transition to the new products by mid-November 2022. The new products will be phased in over the next four-year renewal cycle and will replace existing products. The new products will be phased in during renewal cycles and will replace existing products. Both current and new card designs will be in circulation during the transition period.

Both standard and REAL ID-compliant products will use the new design and security featuresREAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, and customers are able to opt into REAL ID. Beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. More information about REAL ID can be on the REAL ID page on the Driver and Vehicle Services website.

The cards look different and have additional enhanced security features that improve fraud prevention and protect from counterfeiting and alteration.

Some of the enhanced features include:

  • Guilloche Security Design, a feature that includes sophisticated techniques to embed a variety of customized security patterning into the credential, using non-commercial software developed specifically for high-security documents (banknotes, passports, ID cards, etc);
  • Optically Variable Ghost Portrait and Variable Data with UV, features that change their appearance when the viewing angle of the card changes, which moves them from fully visible to non-visible. The card also includes an ultraviolet (UV) response that fluoresces under UV lighting. The UV response is fixed – visible under UV light regardless of viewing angle;
  • Dynamic Look Through Element (DLTE), a dynamic feature with a gold metallic tint that is visible under direct lighting.

The new cards comply with American Association of Motor Vehicle Association (AAMVA) 2020 specifications.
Customers may obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through the Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and include driver’s license, photo ID, and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

Rockhill Drive Ramp to U.S. 1 South Closed for Two Years for Bridge Construction in Bensalem Township

The ramp from Rockhill Drive at the Neshaminy Interchange to southbound U.S. 1 will close beginning Tuesday morning, September 13, for approximately two years for bridge construction in Bensalem Township, Bucks County, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today.

During the closure, motorists will be directed to use northbound U.S. 1, exit at Penndel/Business U.S. 1 and turn left at a temporary signalized intersection at the bottom of the ramp onto Old Lincoln Highway to access the ramp to southbound U.S. 1.

The ramp will be closed for construction of the new U.S. 1 bridge over Rockhill Drive and other improvements at the interchange. The closure is expected to begin sometime after 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 13.

Motorists are reminded that southbound Old Lincoln Highway remains closed through late-September from the ramp to southbound U.S. 1 to Bristol Road in Middletown Township for reconstruction. Motorists are being directed to use southbound U.S. 1 to the Neshaminy Interchange, then turn right onto Rockhill Drive to access Old Lincoln Highway.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through or near the work areas. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

PennDOT is reconstructing and widening almost three miles of U.S. 1, improving the interchanges, and constructing several new bridges — including new structures over the Neshaminy Creek and over rail lines near the Penndel exit— under two contracts (RC1, RC2) to rebuild, widen and improve U.S. 1 in Bucks County.

JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, PA is the general contractor on the $111.5 million Section RC2 project that is scheduled to be completed in mid-2026. Allan Myers, Inc. of Worcester, PA is the general contractor on the $95 million Section RC1 project that is expected to be completed this year.

PennDOT to Begin Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway) Intersection Improvement Project in Penndel Borough

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that construction will begin on Thursday, August 4, on a project to enhance safety and improve travel through the Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway) and Hulmeville Avenue Intersection in Penndel Borough, Bucks County. 

Under this project, PennDOT’s contractor will widen the existing intersection to add exclusive left-turn lanes; mill, pave and stripe the intersection and its approaches; upgrade existing traffic signal equipment; and install new ADA curb ramps at the Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway) intersections at Hulmeville Avenue and Noeland Avenue. 

Additional enhancements include replacing the existing sidewalk along the north and south side of Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway) approaching the intersection with Hulmeville Avenue; adjusting the curbing to improve truck turning radius; and upgrading drainage inlets and pipes.

As construction on this improvement project progresses, the contractor will implement full closures as needed on Hulmeville Avenue at Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway). Lane closures on Business U.S. 1 (Lincoln Highway) will also be utilized periodically during off-peak travel times. 

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

Road-Con, Inc. of West Chester, Chester County, is the general contractor on the $2.2 million project, which is financed with 100% federal funds. Construction on the project is expected to finish in Summer 2023. 

Construction Update: Summer 2022

Section RC1, the first of three construction projects for PennDOT’s $95 million U.S. 1 Bucks Improvement Project, will be completed this summer after nearly four years of construction to widen and improve the roadway between the Turnpike Interchange and Old Lincoln Highway. Section RC2 remains focused on the construction of new U.S. 1 bridges over the Neshaminy Creek and the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange.


RC1

Beginning in the fall of 2018, Section RC1 included improvements to U.S. 1, Street Road (Route 132), and Bristol Road, in addition to interchange improvements at the U.S. 1/Street Road Interchange and the U.S. 1/Pennsylvania Turnpike Interchange.

Under this project, U.S. 1 was reconstructed between the Street Road (Route 132) and PA Turnpike interchanges. A third travel lane was added in each direction, medians were widened to provide 12-foot-wide inside shoulders, and driveway accesses from U.S. 1 to Street Road were relocated. The road’s profile also was raised to improve vertical clearances over Street Road (Route 132), the Turnpike and its ramps.

Street Road (Route 132) also was reconstructed and widened to include turn lanes during RC1 construction. Signalized intersections and turn lanes were constructed at the relocated U.S. 1 Interchange ramps, the driveway at the Red Roof Inn was relocated, left-turn lanes were added in both directions at the Turnpike’s westbound slip ramp intersection on Street Road, and a new Southbound on-ramp from eastbound Street Road was added.

The Bristol Road Bridge also was replaced to improve vertical clearance over U.S. 1 and room for widening U.S. 1 below.

This project also included the relocation and construction of new ramps at the Street Road (Route 132) and Turnpike interchanges. 


RC2

Significant progress was made this spring on the bridges carrying U.S. 1 over the Neshaminy Creek and the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 interchange.

With support columns in place, workers placed deck beams and installed rebar on the new southbound Neshaminy Creek bridge (see below) in preparation for paving set to begin in July.

At the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 interchange, northbound bridge abutments and piers were completed and deck beams were placed in late June. The contractor expects to begin deck placement of the northbound bridge in late summer.

In addition to the bridge work, crews continue installation of the stormwater drainage system along U.S. 1 in the RC2 work area, and excavation continues along both sides of U.S. 1 to prepare for construction of a third travel lane between the Turnpike and Penndel/Business U.S. 1 interchanges.

Later this summer following completion of RC1, work will get started at the Neshaminy Exit, including replacement of the U.S.1 bridge over Rockhill Drive and improvements to the interchange.

RC2 is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

The contracts, RC1 and RC2, are part of PennDOT’s three-phase project to improve four miles of U.S.1 in Bucks County by reconstructing and widening the pavement, building several bridges, and improving several interchanges along a continuous three-mile section of highway in Bensalem and Middletown townships.

PennDOT in 2014 completed $14.8 million in improvements at the U.S. 1/Maple Avenue Interchange in Middletown Township as part of their overall initiative to modernize and upgrade the U.S. 1 corridor in Bucks County.

PennDOT Urges Caution in Work Zones 

Recent crashes put workers, motorists at risk

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones after there have been several incidents of work zone intrusions resulting in motorists hitting PennDOT employees or equipment.
 
The most recent crash occurred on June 5, 2022, when a PennDOT employee was struck by a motorist while working on a bridge resurfacing project in Allegheny County. The employee suffered injuries requiring medical attention and transportation to a hospital.
 
“Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.”
 
According to PennDOT data, in 2021 there were 1,649 work zone crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty.
 
In addition to crash data from police reports, PennDOT monitors work zone safety with internal reports. From January 1, 2020, to June 7, 2022, there have been 300 reported intrusions in PennDOT work zones. Of those work zone intrusions, 31 resulted in injuries to PennDOT employees, 66 caused damage to PennDOT equipment or vehicles only, and 203 did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so.
 
In Pennsylvania, there are two distinct programs related to active work zones. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.
 
Under Title 75, Section 3369, fines are allowed to be administered through the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program. Pennsylvania’s AWZSE program, first implemented in March 2020, uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present. Work Zones that have an AWZSE system present and active will have unique signs in advance of the enforcement area, alerting drivers to the upcoming enforcement. Registered owners receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points are assessed to driver’s licenses.
 
For more information on work zone safety visit, www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.
 
For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov.
 
Photos and videos are available online at PAcast.com.

Federal REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 3, 2023

With the one-year countdown beginning today for the federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and Philadelphia International Airport officials to remind Pennsylvania residents who want REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards and have not yet gotten one to gather the needed documents now to ensure they leave plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date.

To date, PennDOT has issued approximately 1.6 million REAL ID products.

REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID upon entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used for these purposes on and after May 3, 2023.

There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.

“Although a year seems like a long time to get ready, the deadline will be upon us before you know it. We encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “We continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service to all of our customers as the federal deadline approaches.”

Since March 1, 2019, PennDOT has processed about 8.3 million customers, with more than 1.6 million individuals choosing to opt into the REAL ID program. The remaining 6.7 million have chosen not to participate or use an alternative federally acceptable form of ID come the May 2023 deadline.

“We see plenty of travelers who reside in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey who fly out of Philadelphia International Airport regularly, and like all travelers from out-of-state who want to fly after May 3, 2023, they also will need to have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of ID when they approach our TSA travel document podium,” said TSA Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero. “The REAL ID law is for all Americans who want to fly out of any domestic airport across the country starting one year from now. My advice is to go to your local state’s department of motor vehicles or department of transportation to get your upgraded REAL ID driver’s license now. Don’t wait.”

Customers can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents:

  • Proof of Identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport;
  • Proof of Social Security Number:  Social security card, in current legal name;
  • Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address; and 
  • Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes.

Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product: Customers may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; they can visit any PennDOT driver license center that is open for driver license services, have their documents verified and imaged, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; or they can visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service.

For a full list of driver license centers and their services, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license, and $31.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, customers pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.

REAL ID-compliant products are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner, standard-issue (non-compliant) products include the phrase “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES,” per federal regulations. Sample images can be viewed on PennDOT’s website.

More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.

Construction Update: Spring 2022

Three Bridges Completed, Two Under Construction on U.S. 1

Construction crews made significant progress on new bridges over the past winter, finishing the southbound bridge over the Turnpike ramps, completing much of the abutment and pier construction for the new southbound U.S. 1 bridge over the Neshaminy Creek, and beginning abutment and pier construction for the new northbound U.S. 1 bridge at the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 exit.

The bridge work and other construction is being done under two PennDOT projects (RC1, RC2) currently underway to improve U.S. 1 in Bucks County.


RC2 Bridge Progress

Crews are putting the finishing touches on the supports for the new southbound U.S. 1 bridge over the Neshaminy Creek (see below), and preparing to set deck beams and begin deck construction later this spring. PennDOT’s contractor will finish the southbound structure this summer.

As work continues on the creek bridge, construction continues on two abutments and three piers for the new northbound U.S. 1 bridge over the rail lines and ramps at the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 interchange this spring. Installation of deck beams is expected this summer.

On U.S. 1 between the Turnpike Interchange and the Bristol Road overpass, the contractor will work this spring to prepare the median to carry traffic during upcoming traffic pattern shifts around the bridge work areas.

In addition, southbound embankment excavation has finished, and installation of the project’s stormwater drainage system is underway there. Northbound embankment excavation continues, with drainage work to follow. Embankments along both sides of U.S. 1 are being excavated for construction of a third travel lane in each direction from just north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Bensalem Interchange to the Penndel/Business U.S. 1 Interchange.

At the Neshaminy Interchange, the contractor will shift traffic away from the Rockhill Drive median area and begin work to add a center pier for the new U.S. 1 overpass following completion of utility work later this spring.

The $110.9 million RC2 project is scheduled to be completed in mid-2026.


RC1 Heading for Completion this Summer

With completion over the winter of the southbound side of the U.S. 1 bridge over the Turnpike ramps, new RC1 bridges are now in place over the Turnpike ramps, the Turnpike, and Street Road (Route 132).

Southbound U.S. 1 paving between Street Road (Route 132) and the commercial area approaching Old Lincoln Highway will be finished this spring, wrapping up major work on U.S. 1.

Reconstruction of the westbound side of Street Road through the U.S. 1 Interchange area continues until later this spring. The contractor will next install a permanent median barrier, then open the new ramp from Street Road to southbound U.S. 1 this summer to complete the work on the busy roadway.

As has been the case throughout construction, access to and from properties located on both sides of U.S. 1 will continue to be maintained until the $94 million RC1 project comes to a close in mid-2022. 

The contracts, RC1 and RC2, are part of PennDOT’s three-phase project to improve four miles of U.S. 1 in Bucks County by reconstructing and widening the pavement, building several bridges, and improving several interchanges along a continuous three-mile section of highway in Bensalem and Middletown townships.

PennDOT in 2014 completed $14.8 million in improvements at the U.S. 1/Maple Avenue Interchange in Middletown Township (see above) as part of their overall initiative to modernize and upgrade the U.S. 1 corridor in Bucks County.