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Chester County Press

Work on Penn Township intersection is progressing well

07/23/2019 10:43PM ● By Steven Hoffman
A $2.5 million project to improve and realign the intersection of Route 796 and West Baltimore
Pike in Penn Township is progressing well and could be completed by the end of August.
The
scope of the
project includes the roads being widened and turning lane
s being added at the
busy intersection.
A new traffic signal is also
be
iA $2.5 million project to improve and realign the intersection of Route 796 and West Baltimore Pike in Penn Township is progressing well and could be completed by the end of August.

The scope of the project includes the roads being widened and turning lanes being added at the busy intersection. A new traffic signal is also being installed with updated signal phasing. The last phase of the project includes the paving of the roads. 

“I’m very pleased with the project. The whole board is,” said Curtis Mason, the chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors.

Township officials have long wanted to make upgrades that would improve the flow of traffic through the intersection.

The township purchased the Red Rose Inn seven years ago not only because it was a way to preserve an important part of the township’s history, but because it also allowed for traffic-calming measures for the nearby intersection. After the township purchased the Red Rose Inn, modifications were made to the non-historic additions that had been made to the building through the years to make way for the realignment of Route 796. The original historic part of the Inn will remain intact and is being carefully refurbished.

Before this project, the Route 796 and West Baltimore Pike intersection ranked among the least efficient intersections in Pennsylvania. The high number of vehicles passing through the intersection, as well as the alignment of the road, presented safety issues, especially during peak hours.

Township officials expect the new turning lanes, widened roads, and updated traffic signal phasing to make a big difference for motorists.

ng
installed with updated signal phasing. The
last phase of the project includes the paving of the roads.