PennDot Widening Rt. 322 in Upper Chichester for Safety

In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a significant upgrade to U.S. 322, known as Conchester Highway, is underway with a $99 million investment aimed at enhancing safety and reducing traffic congestion. The project involves widening the highway from two lanes to four lanes, addressing a notorious stretch of road that has seen 1,914 crashes from 2004 to 2023. The first phase, completed in December 2020, expanded the road from U.S. 1 to Clayton Park Drive, while the current phase focuses on a 1.4-mile section from Cherry Tree Road/Bethel Avenue to Market Street in Upper Chichester. PennDOT plans to add traffic signals and completely reconstruct the highway to improve safety. Local residents have expressed support for the project, citing the frequent traffic backups and accidents. To facilitate the widening, PennDOT will acquire properties through eminent domain, including a used car dealership that will lose a foot of land. The agency assures that fair market value will be paid for the properties. Utility work is expected to commence by the end of 2024, with construction aiming to maintain one lane of traffic open in each direction to minimize disruptions. The completion of this phase is anticipated by 2030, marking a crucial step in enhancing the safety and efficiency of this heavily trafficked route. Overall, the project reflects a proactive approach to addressing long-standing traffic issues and improving road safety in the region.