Watch CBS News

Construction Set For New EZ-Pass-Only Turnpike Exit In Chester County

EAST WHITELAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) - Construction is expected to begin soon on a new all-electronic interchange on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County.

The new EZ-Pass only interchange will be located about halfway between the Valley Forge and Downingtown interchanges on the east-west turnpike. It will let drivers enter and exit the turnpike in both directions at Route 29.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission spokesman Carl DeFebo says 45,000 to 50,000 vehicles a day use that 14-mile stretch between Valley Forge and Downingtown, and this is designed to alleviate some of the backups.

"The people who use the Valley Forge interchange every morning and every afternoon know how congested that can become, and this is going to provide a relief valve, if you will, for that Valley Forge interchange," DeFebo told KYW Newsradio.

Officials say the new cashless interchange is also expected to be a major component in the continued economic growth of the area.

The $48-million project should be finished in the fall of 2012.  This interchange was first talked about 12 years ago.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.