Our firm was retained to provide transportation engineering services for this interchange improvement project. Our team had previously completed a Transportation Impact Fee Roadway Sufficiency Analysis and Capital Improvement Plan for Bethel Township. Based on this background traffic study and a Traffic Impact Study prepared for the adjacent Berks County Industrial Development, we were able to develop sound alternatives to present to PennDOT.
The final design selected for this project was a complete bridge replacement which allows for future widening of Interstate 78 from a four-lane divided highway to a six-lane divided highway. SR 0501 was widened to four lanes from two lanes and traffic signals were installed at both ramp intersections. The replacement structure is a one-span composite prestressed concrete bulb-tee beam bridge. The project included ramp improvements and traffic signalization. We were responsible for the submission of the project through PennDOT’s Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS).