Construction redesign drawing for the proposed Route51/Route88 interchange, presented on October 4, 2010.

Click on images for larger pictures

The Route51/Route 88, or Saw Mill Run Boulevard/Library Road, interchange reconstruction project began back in March 1992 as an at-grade intersection improvement plan. The project scope expanded in 2002 to study a multi-faceted redesign of the entire interchange. Design studies continued until 2004, when they were temporarily put on hold due to funding constraints.

The Route 51/Route 88 interchange - 2009.

The project was restarted in 2007, with the incorporation of right-sizing and smart transportation initiatives. It was determined that the project would address the structurally deficient bridges along with traffic mobility and safety enhancements. Current design efforts have been underway since 2008.

A 2008 traffic safety study identified four of the five intersections at the Route 51/Route 88 interchange as high probability crash locations. Stewart Avenue, Glenbury Street, Library Road and Underwood Street were listed as dangerous in four separate catagories: Signalized Intersection crashes, Hit Pole crashes, Hit Fixed Object crashes and Run off the Road crashes. This finding added a sense of urgency to the need for a solution to this traffic bottleneck.

  
The heavily traveled interchange has become a dangerous traffic bottleneck.

By the Fall of 2010, the project scope had been defined and a comprehensive plan was announced to the public. There are eight properties identified and 19 partial or temporary lots that must be obtained. Property appraisal and acquisition negotiations have begun. Final design details, utility adjustments and relocations, and permit acquisition are expected to be completed by the Summer of 2012. Construction is slated to begin in 2013 and continue through 2014. The cost of the reconstruction is estimated at $14 million and funding has been obtained.

Construction will feature a jughandle, which will serve as a detour during the replacement of the bridge network and interchange roadway surfaces. This jughandle will then be incorporated into the new design as a way to streamline the traffic flow along Saw Mill Run Boulevard.

During the construction process, access to adjacent residences and businesses will be maintained. Bus routes and bus stops will be adjusted as necessary to maintain outbound and inbound service. Two lanes of vehicular traffic will be available throughout the construction period. Despite these efforts to keep the intersection functioning, delays can be expected.

  
Six structurally deficient bridges will be replaced during reconstruction.

The project goals are as follows:
- Replace structurally deficient bridges with new structures.
- Replace bridges with the least amount of disruption to the traveling public and within budget and time constraints.
- Implement permanent traffic system improvements.
- Improve safety.

Improvements to be expected:
- Six structurally deficient bridges are being replaced.
- A jughandle will provide temporary traffic control and a permanent mobility and safety enhancement.
- New traffic signals, signs, guiderails and pavement markings.
- Replacement or resurfacing of all roadways within the scope of the project.
- ADA compliant sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks to provide improved pedestrian mobility.
- Safety upgrades that eliminate potential traffic conflicts and improve intersection geometry.

New Traffic Patterns once project is completed:
- Left turns from S.R. 0051 NB to S.R. 0088, to Hillview Street, and to Glenbury Street will be eliminated. The jughandle will be used to replace these movements.
- Left turns from S.R. 0051 SB to Ivyglen Street are eliminated. Access will be accommodated by using Fairhaven Road to Stewart Avenue to the jughandle.
- Access from S.R. 0088 and Glenbury Street to Ivyglen Street will be accommodated by using S.R. 0051 SB to Fairhaven Road to Stewart Avenue to the jughandle or by using S.R. 0051 NB to Underwood Street.
- Access from Ivyglen Street to S.R. 0088 and Glenbury Street will be accommodated by using the jughandle.
- Hillview Street access will include right turns in and right turns out.

After years of preparation, the Route 51/Route 88 intersection will finally be getting a necessary makeover. Built in 1929, this is the first comprehensive work to be done on the heavily traveled intersection. The bridge network is, after over 80 years of continual use, literally crumbling away. To wait any longer would be inviting disaster. It's hoped that when construction is over the new design will be as beneficial as the Liberty Tunnel and West End Interchange Improvements.

* Photos and information obtained from PennDot Presentation at a public meeting - October 4, 2010 *