Those who attended community-wide planning meetings in Pottstown, Limerick, and other locations might not be aware of a draft report from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
The draft, released in October, highlights several “early action” transportation projects, including:
- Route 422 River Crossing Complex – The project includes interchange improvements at Trooper Road to incorporate a full access interchange; reconstruction of the Schuylkill River Bridge; and reconfiguration of the Route 23 interchange.
- An additional lane on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
- Phoenixville Streetscape Project
- Schuylkill River Trail
- Valley Forge Park Trail Bridge – A new bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting the historic park trails with the Schuylkill River Trail is also recommended.
The U.S. 422 Corridor Master Plan group, under the direction of DVRPC, is awaiting the completion of a feasibility study for the tolling of Route 422. Tolls were highlighted as a potential funding stream for extending the R6 SEPTA passenger rail line beyond Norristown.
Results of this study are expected early next year. The Federal Highway Administration would need to approve any tolling plan.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:54 am
Regarding toll charges for 422. I can’t even begin to convey how outraged this will make the people who have lived along this corridor for decades. We have watched while countless retail sales sites have been developed, and why? We need another mall like another crooked politician! We pay taxes out the wazoo to pay for the construction and maintenance of public roads. Now you want to leave all the causes of the constantly increasing traffic off Scott free? I say bull sh!t. If you don’t like that kind of language, too bad. We don’t like you and the way we are being bent over at the waist! You tax us, you tax us some more, and then you insult our intelligence by telling us a toll is needed. Please!! We watch news reports of public protests in other countries. It happens all the time. Want to see what that looks like up close and personal? Keep it up. It’s coming my foolish public servants!! Re-election will be the least of your worries. Grid lock on local roads so bad you’ll think it’s 3PM in Manhattan! People trying to beat the system will cost more in collection costs than the toll collected. Even vandalism isn’t hard to imagine, though certainly not condoned or encouraged by me. You can only push people so far. We are close to the limit, and of that I am certain.