Lafayette Street Extension opens in Norristown

The $90 million Lafayette Street Extension, from Conshohocken to Dekalb streets in Norristown, recently opened to traffic.

The extension is the state’s largest local infrastructure project.

Once completed, the extension will connect downtown Norristown, the County Government Complex, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Norristown Transportation Center to the regional highway system.

Vehicle lanes will be increased, the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails will be connected, sidewalks will be widened, the medians will be landscaped, and a pedestrian crossing will be added at the transportation center.

Montgomery County managed the project under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration. The county funded $18 million of the project while the agencies funded $72 million.

“All of the smart investments we are making today to upgrade and redesign streets, sidewalks, and trails will pay off for Montgomery County residents for the next 100 years,” Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, chairwoman of Montgomery County Commissioners, said. “I am proud to have been a part of the 20-year bipartisan collaboration of Montgomery County, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration to modernize downtown Norristown and prepare it for future growth.”

The project is expected to relieve traffic congestion and spark economic development.