On November 20th 2024, Montgomery County officials joined with the Whitemarsh and Springfield Township community and project team members including JBC Associates for the ribbon cutting ceremony of Ridge Pike Improvement Project – Section D. This event marks the completion of the initial phase (Section D) of the Project and celebrates the enhanced mobility and safety improvements made for pedestrians and drivers traversing the community. “Thousands of drivers rely on Ridge Pike every day, and we are thrilled to transform this roadway for not only those drivers but to alleviate congestion and increase walkability for nearby residents.” Said, Montgomery County Chair, Jamila H. Winder.
The Ridge Pike Improvement Project, which spans five miles and accommodates 30,000 vehicles daily, begins with Section D, running from Crescent Avenue in Springfield Township to the Philadelphia city line in Whitemarsh Township. Battered down by daily traffic since the 1970’s, and where in some places the original road is 100-years old – Ridge Pike is one of Montgomery County’s most important roads.
This project, funded fully by Montgomery County, is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing a critical roadway in the regional economy. “The fact that we funded this project without State or Federal funding shows how we have prioritized the necessary infrastructure to help communities get to where they are going safer than before.” Said, Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections.
Thomas DiBella, Montgomery County Commissioner stated, “Now we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor. This project brings quality-of-life improvements. We look forward to bringing these improvements all the way up the road to Norristown.”
Project Overview
JBC Associates has been entrusted with providing Construction Management services for Section D, a full-depth reconstruction and widening improvement project. The project involves the total reconstruction of one mile of roadway, bituminous asphalt placement, new soldier pile retaining wall, preservation of existing historic stone walls, sidewalk/curbs/ADA ramps, various and complicated utility relocations, roadside landscape development and management of regulated and hazardous fill. The initial phase focuses heavily on underground utility work, followed by full-depth roadway reconstruction. Key improvements include:
- Installation of new interconnect traffic signals to reduce congestion and help control travel speeds.
- Addition of an eastbound through lane to improve traffic flow.
- Implementation of modern stormwater management facilities including 8,000 ft. of new drainage pipe.
- 60,000 cubic yards of excavation and 5 miles of full-depth road reconstruction.
- Addition of pedestrian sidewalks, along the entire south side of Ridge Pike.
- Improved access to Philadelphia and Plymouth Meeting.
- Spur economic development by making it more efficient to travel throughout Lafayette Hill.
Pedestrian and Transit Enhancements
The project also prioritizes pedestrian safety and transit accessibility with the construction of a continuous sidewalk along the southwestern side of Ridge Pike and the consolidation of SEPTA bus stops that are ADA compliant.
Project Team
JBC Associates provided Construction Management services for this project which included close coordination with local municipalities, utility companies, SEPTA, the Masonic Village and other local businesses and residents to ensure the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project.
→ Nov 21, 2024
