PennDOT begins work to reduce Blue Route traffic in Delaware County, PA

A new multi-year project by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) aims to reduce traffic congestion along the Blue Route in Delaware County. Spokesperson Brad Rudolph explained that the initiative will utilize the existing roadway footprint to create additional lanes, enhancing traffic flow during peak demand times. The project is currently in its first phase, which spans 14 miles from West Chester Pike to Interstate 95, and is already underway. Phase 1 focuses on providing motorists with better information and reducing rear-end collisions, with improvements noted to decrease such incidents by up to 30%. Looking ahead, Phase 2 is set to commence in 2027 and will introduce a flex lane that adjusts direction based on real-time traffic needs, utilizing space in the current medians without altering the existing right-of-way. Rudolph emphasized that the project will significantly increase capacity, stating that adding one lane in each direction will enhance the current two-lane setup by 50%, accommodating the 70,000 to 80,000 vehicles that traverse the route daily. The preliminary engineering for Phase 2 is already in progress and is expected to take three years, with construction primarily occurring during off-peak and overnight hours. Local drivers, like Colum McGovern, have expressed optimism about the project, noting that any improvements to the current traffic situation would be beneficial, as congestion on the Blue Route has become increasingly problematic.