Q & A

Will the Project Be Constructed all at Once?

No. The project will be built in phases. The following three phases are being led by Montgomery County:  
  • Phase 1 - Section MGP (2013-2014): Extend Lafayette Street from Ford Street to Conshohocken Road (Complete)
  • Phase 2 - Section MGL (2014-2017): Improve local roads near the new interchange, including Ridge Pike, Diamond Avenue, and Fairfield Road
  • Phase 3 - Section MGN (2017-2020): Reconstruct / widen existing Lafayette Street and relocate the Schuylkill River Trail (Under Construction Through Early 2020)
Phase 4 – PA Turnpike Interchange: In May 2016, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission included funding for the Lafayette Street interchange in their Fiscal Year 2017 Ten-Year Capital Plan. The commission began design in late 2017. 

Phase 5 – A final phase will be the construction of an interchange between Lafayette Street and the US 202 Dannehower Bridge.  This will be done in the future when PennDOT replaces the bridge.

What are the Impacts Associated with the Project?


The project will affect approximately 36 properties, although most will only require that a strip of ground be purchased from them. During construction phases, temporary traffic detours and interruptions can be expected. All efforts will be made to minimize construction noise and dust. Informational meetings for the public will be held throughout design and construction to minimize inconveniences.

How Much will the Project Cost?

The estimated cost to construct Phases 1, 2, and 3 is $60 million in actual year-of-expenditure figures. In addition to construction, other work, including right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and design, will bring the overall cost of the project to between $90 and $100 million. The costs will be shared between Montgomery County and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):
  • FHWA: $80 million (80%)
  • Montgomery County: $20 million (20%)
  • Total: $100 million 

What is the Current Schedule for the Project?


The first phase, Section MGP, began in August 2013 and was completed in 2014. The second phase, Section MGL, began in 2014 and will last through early 2017. The third phase, Section MGN, began in late 2017 and will end in 2020.