The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is lining up a project that figures to involve the reconfiguration of the intersection of Swamp Road and Route 232 (Second Street Pike) in Wrightstown.
“The purpose of the project is to improve the functionality and safety of the intersection, as well as relieve some traffic concerns due to the heavy truck traffic in the area,” PennDOT spokesman Brad E. Rudolph told the Herald.
PennDOT plans to add left-turn lanes to the intersection and update signaling to accommodate the left turns. On Second Street Pike, south of the intersection, PennDOT will have three northbound lanes (left turn, straight only and right turn/straight) and one southbound lane.
Meanwhile, to the intersection’s north, again on Second Street Pike, there’ll be two northbound lanes, one of which will serve as an auxiliary lane, which will taper to one lane after approximately 800 feet.
In addition to other work, the project will include shifting the alignment of Swamp Road and Second Street Pike to the west and north to avoid a historic schoolhouse in the area.
“There will be swales added to accommodate the runoff, as well as updated drainage,” said Rudolph. “A constructed wetland that blends with the natural topography is included to help manage the stormwater runoff.”
PennDOT estimates that the total project will cost about $4 million. Federal funds are paying the entire cost, Rudolph said. It’s unclear exactly when work might begin, but it won’t be until next year at the earliest. PennDOT expects to open bids from interested contractors in February. After that, PennDOT could award the work to one of the contractors.
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