The estimated $350 million project to reconstruct and improve the 10-mile expressway between Cheltenham Avenue and State Route 63 (Welsh Road) is comprised of five separate mainline contracts. The first, completed in late 2003, replaced two bridges over Route 309 with longer spans to accommodate the widened shoulders and longer ramps that will be constructed under the four additional main line contracts.

Subsequent contracts to rebuild the main line expressway got underway in 2004, with the start of work to rebuild the central section of the expressway. In 2005, construction of a reconfigured interchange at Fort Washington (adjacent to the Turnpike Interchange) began, as well as work to rebuild the southern one-third of Route 309. The southern contract, which covers the area from north of Paper Mill Road to Cheltenham Avenue, also includes reconstruction of the PA 152/Easton Road Interchange. The remaining contract, which will focus on rebuilding the northern end of the mainline expressway and its bridges, overpass and remaining interchange on and off ramps, began in mid-2007.

In addition, PennDOT completed work in 2002 to improve travel through 32 intersections or roadway sections on key roads near the Route 309 corridor. These improvements will help cars and trucks move more effectively on alternate and feeder roads that are expected to become more heavily traveled during work on the Route 309 expressway.

In fall 2001, work began on the first contract for main line reconstruction. Construction focused on the Fort Washington area, where PennDOT replaced two bridges over Route 309 in preparation for building the new Route 309 interchange at Fort Washington.

Both these bridges - one carrying the Turnpike and one carrying Summit Avenue - over Route 309 were replaced under the first stage of mainline construction, in 2001 and 2002. Summit Avenue was reopened in November 2002. Construction on the Turnpike span was completed in late 2003.

For an outline of the various aspects of the reconstruction project, see the Route 309 Fact Sheets.

Traffic Strategies

Presently, Route 309 carries an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume of approximately 53,500 vehicles a day. PennDOT's traffic management strategy for reconstruction of the Route 309 expressway is to keep two travel lanes open in each direction during peak travel hours in most areas. However, traffic impacts and delays can be expected due to the planned closure of selected interchange ramps, the narrowing and shifting of lanes, and the distracting presence of large-scale construction activity, barriers and equipment along this heavily traveled corridor. See how you can contribute to the safe and smooth flow of traffic during Route 309 construction by visiting the Traffic Strategies page.

Environmental Features

• Sound Walls
  PennDOT normally installs sound walls only where needed on new highways, or on existing roadways that are widened to include additional lanes. But thanks to Montgomery County's former federal legislative delegation, specially earmarked federal funds are being provided to build approximately four miles of sound walls along the Route 309. Get the Sound Wall story here.

• Water and Wetlands
  The reconstruction of the Route 309 Expressway will have a relatively minor impact on wetlands in the project area, but a positive one on flooding that has plagued the Fort Washington Interchange area for years during heavy rains. Read about Water & Wetlands here.

Public Outreach

• Project Presentations
  We'll bring the details of the Route 309 Expressway Improvement Project to your workplace or organization. PennDOT's design and construction teams are available for presentations at workplaces and meetings of civic, service or social organizations. To schedule a meeting, simply Contact Us and provide the details.

• Newsletters/Mailing List
  To have your name placed on the mailing list to receive information on the Route 309 Expressway Improvement Project, go to Request Publications and fill out and submit the form.