Transportation plan would improve travel on I-76

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced a plan that will improve travel and safety along the I-76 between King of Prussia and Philadelphia.

PennDOT’s plan involves installing smart technology along the route. In phase one, a series of Queue Warning (QW) and Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems will be installed in Montgomery County.

QW technology displays electronic warning messages to alert motorists of significant slowdowns while VSL technology displays regulatory speed limits that can change based on traffic or weather conditions.

The $8.6 million project will begin this month and is expected to be completed next month. The technology will undergo a six-month testing period.

The project is financed 20 percent with state funds and 80 percent with federal money.

“We are very focused on investing in and using our technology to make travel safer and smoother,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards said. “This initiative is a fantastic example of how we’re wisely using funds to maximize our existing network and improve mobility in the surrounding communities.”

Phase two is currently being designed and will include adding a travel lane or “flexible” travel lane to be used during peak travel times, and modernizing traffic signal systems along roadways running near the interstate.