Crews are set to begin work on a $2.3 million safety improvement project on Route 1.
The project will improve Route 1 in Falls, Middletown and Lower Makefield by adding two through lanes for northbound motorists while maintaining an exit to Route 32 that goes into Morrisville. The work will remove the “exit only” lane that currently exists for northbound drivers at this interchange. A concrete barrier will be placed between Route 1 north and the on-ramp from Route 13 to eliminate the substandard weave condition that currently exists when Route 13 drivers enter Route 1 and weave through traffic to reach the Route 32 exit ramp.
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The removal of the conflicting traffic pattern at the interchange will help streamline Route 1 for travelers, PennDOT spokesperson Bob Kent told LevittownNow.com.
PennDOT officials said the project also includes construction of an additional auxiliary lane along northbound Route 1 at Oxford Valley Road; milling and overlay with a high-friction surface treatment on Route 1 south in the area of Route 32; and replacement of overhead signs throughout the project area.
The upgrade work is expected to be completed in summer, officials said.
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“This project will help alleviate congestion on a very critical and heavily relied upon juncture along (Route 1),” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. “Our work here in Bucks County is part of our continuing effort to improve transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania.”
Starting Friday, northbound Route 1 will have its right lane and permanent shoulder closed between I-95 and the Oxford Valley interchange for temporary barrier placement and shoulder widening activities between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The shoulder closure will last until mid-April.
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Kent explained the scope of the project was picked after a highway safety improvement team identified the sections of Route 1 as trouble areas.
James D. Morrissey Inc. of Philadelphia has been hired as the contractor on the $2,327,110 project, which is financed with 100 percent federal funds.
