Traffic Management

Traffic management is one of the most difficult tasks facing Whitpain. When a Township-wide Traffic Study was commissioned, goals were established to evaluate potential improvements that would reduce congestion and improve efficiency while maintaining the character of the Township and minimizing impacts on adjacent properties.

Another goal of the study was to evaluate potential funding mechanism for the necessary improvements. The Township has enacted an ordinance levying impact fees on the new developments. A one-time fee of $3,089 for each new peak hour trip generated by a new development or building is currently assessed.

Significant ongoing or recently completed projects in the Township include:

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant Project - Traffic signals and their subsequent operation have direct effects on motorists and the environment that we all live in. Inefficient traffic signal operations can result in traffic congestion as well as an increase in vehicle emissions that can negatively affect air quality. Through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s competitive CMAQ program, federal funds have been allocated for proposed improvements along Skippack Pike. These improvements are focused on improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion in the DVRPC area.

Pedestrian Improvements at the Intersection of Walton Road, Norristown Road and Township Line Road (5 Points Intersection) – In 2018, Whitpain Township plans on installing pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Walton Road, Norristown Road and Township Line Road (5 Points Intersection).  The project will remove existing impediments to pedestrian movements since the intersection is currently signed with “No Pedestrian” signage.  With two SEPTA bus stops, a church/school and several office campuses located immediately adjacent the intersection, there is sufficient demand for safe and efficient pedestrian access at the signalized intersection.  In addition, the new pedestrian crossings will allow access, via existing sidewalks, to the Township trail system (Narcissa Road Trail).  The Township received a $108,000 grant through the MontCo 2040 Implementation Grant program for the project.  It is anticipated that the improvements will be constructed in the spring of 2018.

Skippack Pike and North Wales Road Intersection Improvement Project - The Township project includes the installation of dedicated left turn lanes on North Wales Road and Skippack Pike.  In addition, the project included traffic signal upgrades, new crosswalks, handicap accessible curb ramps and storm water drainage improvements.  Construction began in the summer of 2015 and the intersection work was completed by November 2015.

PA Turnpike Widening Project – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension was widened from milepost A20 to A26, approximately 5.3 miles.  The widening includes the construction of three 12 ft. lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions.  In addition, the roadway has a 26 ft. wide median and 12 ft. shoulders.  Noise walls were installed along residential areas throughout the project.  The project began in March 2011 and was completed in November 2014. 

Route 202 Widening Project - Section 600 of this project extends from Johnson Highway to Montgomeryville.  Although this project is being designed by PennDOT, the design efforts are being coordinated with Township staff.  This project involves creation of two travel lanes in each direction with a center turning lane and intersection improvements.  The final design and right-of-way acquisition is currently in progress.  According to the most recent schedule update, construction is projected to commence in 2018.

In addition to work on Route 202, PennDOT has identified certain intersections that will be improved during the initial phase of the main project to alleviate construction delays.  These intersections include Arch Street and Township Line Road and the intersection of North Wales and Township Line Roads.  At the intersection of Arch Street and Township Line Road, all four approaches will have separate left turn lanes, and a separate right turn lane will be added from eastbound Township Line Road onto Arch Street.  The remaining improvements at North Wales and Township Line Roads involve the creation of separate left turning lanes from Township Line Road onto North Wales Road.  These off line intersection improvements are scheduled to begin construction in November 2017.

Visit the Route 202 project website for the latest information.

The Township works closely with GVF Transportation on items such as the expansion of bus service to the office park areas, ride sharing programs, establishing flexible works hours, and assisting the Township and the business community in pursuing funding for roadway improvements.