Whitpain Township. Photo by James Short.
Construction is set to begin on an anticipated intersection improvement project in Whitpain Township.
Construction crews will add dedicated right and left turning lanes dedicated turning lanes from both eastbound and westbound Jolly Road onto Wentz Road, a sidewalk installation from the intersection to Horseshoe Drive, stormwater improvements, and traffic signal upgrades, Whitpain Township announced.
“We’re adding walkability, increasing traffic efficiency, and traffic, safety, as well as upgrades to the overall traffic signal operations with the new equipment,” said Whitpain Township Engineer Jim Blanch.
Construction is expected to begin on or around May 8 and is expected to last for approximately seven months. The new construction is expected to increase connectivity and safety when walking through the township.
“Basically all of Wentz Road now can walk down to Mermaid Park,” said Blanch. The project also will connect the neighborhoods to the west of the Korman property as well as adjacent streets off Jolly Road.
Blanch also cited a lack of turning lane efficiency at the intersection for the need of the project. The construction and widening of the road for turning lanes will increase safety among drivers and pedestrians, and make left-hand turns more efficient and safe.
Funding for the project was granted to Whitpain Township in 2023. Two grants, one from Montgomery County and another from the state, are paying for the majority of the project. A Green Light-Go grant was approved in the amount of $128,000 for the traffic control portion of the project, and grant from Montgomery County in the amount of $361,000 will cover the road widening and turning lane portion of the project, according to Blanch.
Whitpain Township is responsible to kick in the additional $104,676 for the project, according to Blanch.
Feasterville-based G&B Construction will provide the construction work.
