(Credit: Jamie Street / Unsplash.com)
A breakdown of area construction and closures
Any resident of Upper Dublin could tell you that good weather can only mean one thing: construction is underway. There are always projects at different stages of progress going on throughout the township. From major apartment complexes, to Promenades full of shops, there is always growth and change happening all around us.
This summer, and as the season will soon fade into fall, there are two main organizations working on improving the Upper Dublin community: the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and PECO. It seems no matter where you turn, there’s another change underway. Let’s break down some of the major improvements you may be seeing as you travel in and around Upper Dublin.
Bell Lane, Terrace Drive, Mores Drive PECO Project
In an attempt to improve the local electric grid, the “Reliability and Resiliency Plan” aims to invest $1.36 million in projects that will last through 2025. The investments are largely focused on strengthening the electric infrastructure to “better withstand more frequent and damaging storms,” as well as provide the ability to “deliver enhanced reliability for our customers,” the electric organization said in a recent press release.
Overall, this project is part of a larger, $6 billion investment over the coming five years across PECO’s electric and natural gas systems. The Exelon Company is geared to:
This arm of the project will invest $226,000 to improve lines in the three aforementioned streets. Construction is likely to last through late September 2024.
A directional bore machine is to be used to install new conduit as well as underground electrical cable. It will also include the installation of new equipment, such as pad-mounted transformers aimed at reducing downtime for outages.
Executive Drive, Benjamin Drive, Morgan Drive, Clinton Drive, Wooded Lane, and Clover Lane PECO projects
Schedule to run through October 2024, the same Reliability and Resiliency Plan includes $500,000 for infrastructure along these roadways. Higher voltages to “better meet customer needs” will be included, in addition to the pad-mounted transformers and underground electrical lines and new conduit aimed at improving service.
Camp Hill Road, Cinnamon Drive, Elbow Lane, Virginia Drive, Highland Avenue, Pinetown Road, New Jersey Drive, Hartranft Avenue, Stevens Drive, Wallace Drive, Haddon Place, Thomas Drive, Victor Lane, and Kenyon Drive PECO projects
Additions and improvements to these areas will include more than $1.6 million to improve infrastructure in the area. Work here requires upgrading voltage, new poles and aerial wires, and specialized equipment that is designed to isolate damage/restore service automatically.
“When an issue occurs, like a fallen tree limb, lightning strike, or vehicle accident, the equipment stops the flow of electricity on the line and automatically restores electricity where possible,” said the PECO release.
Tree work for this section will begin in August, with construction planned to begin in September. The project is to be completed by the end of December.
For all PECO projects listed, both PECO and PECO-qualified contractors may be working on the project.
At various times during the project, there may be interruptions in services. Residents are advised to check online accounts or call PECO at 1-800-494-4000 with any questions or concerns on the project. Communications will be made in advance of any outages.
PennDOT work on Route 309
It isn’t all about electrical company infrastructure. Improvements in Upper Dublin will also include the work of PennDOT. The Route 309 project is slated to begin on Aug. 12.
Work will include areas of Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh, and Springfield townships as the state focuses on the resurfacing 10 miles of the Fort Washington Expressway.
“The new pavement will seal the roadway and provide motorists with a smoother riding surface,” explained PennDOT Media Contact Robyn Briggs in a recent release.
Planned to last through mid-October, work will commence from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to reduce impact on area travel. Periodic nighttime lane closures are scheduled in both directions of Route 309. The work spans from the approximate location of Loch Alsh Avenue and Haws Lane.
“Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area because backups and delays will occur,” said Briggs. “All scheduled activities are weather-dependent.”
Some of the planned areas of resurfacing included in this project include Route 309 improvements at:
The general contractor for the project is James D. Morrissey Inc. of Philadelphia. It is financed completely by state funds. Updates on road conditions throughout Pennsylvania can be found at www.511PA.com or by calling 5-1-1 on any Smartphone. Residents can also subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts for “District 6” or that which includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties at https://www.penndot.pa.gov/District6.
