After three long years of construction, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that they will open 2.5 miles of U.S. 202 to six lanes between the Route 401 and U.S. 30 interchanges in East Whiteland Township, Chester County, by mid-to-late next week.

Throughout the construction process, which began long before 2013, the Transportation Management Association of Chester County has worked with PennDOT to deliver reliable transportation alternatives to US 202 commuters and provide up to date information to the employees of Great Valley.

Although the construction has been a headache for those using the corridor throughout the project, alternative transportation amenities were implemented that will be a lasting benefit to the County.

Federal funds earmarked for congestion mitigation strategies provided the means to construct the second segment of the Chester Valley Trail, the 13 mile commuter trail from King of Prussia to Exton that sees over 300,000 visitors each year. It also provided for the enhanced service of the Paoli Thorndale Line and SEPTA bus lines 205 and 206. For those not able to use a trail or bus service to get to work, park and ride lots in Chester County were expanded to provide additional spaces for commuters looking to alleviate traffic congestion.

Although, there will be clear travels from King of Prussia to U.S. 30, TMACC’s Executive Director, P. Timothy Phelps, reminds motorists to not give up alternative options to travel, “Even though we will see an improvement in travel conditions, TMACC still encourages people to consider ride sharing and van pooling” said Phelps, “Not only does this continue to reduce single occupant vehicles on U.S. 202, but it continues to improve our region’s air quality.”

PennDOT is scheduled to host a ribbon cutting ceremony for U.S. 202 Section 300 at the Park & Ride facility on U.S. 30/Lancaster Avenue at the U.S. 30/U.S. 202 Interchange in East Whiteland Township on Friday, August 12th at 1:30 PM.

TMACC would like to thank PennDOT for being a great business partner to work with during this project. TMACC would also like to thank the Commonwealth for making the financial investment and completing this vital section of highway for Chester County.