UPPER UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP
Temporary Administration Office: 415 Eagleview Blvd Suite 116 Exton, PA 19341 (P) 610-458-9400 (F) 610-458-0307 www.upperuwchlan-pa.gov
ADMINISTRATION Date: January 17, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE RECONSTRUCTION NECESSITATES PIPELINE WORK IN HICKORY PARK
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA – Capital plans for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which bisects Upper Uwchlan Township, include widening and reconstruction of the toll road. As work toward the capital plan continues, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is requiring TC Energy (formerly Columbia Pipeline Group) to relocate a pipeline that runs through Upper Uwchlan Township’s Hickory Park.
The 14” pipeline, which runs north to south across Hickory Park, transports natural gas. The line is currently several feet below ground. TC Energy is being compelled by the Turnpike Commission to relocate the line – within the same right of way, but approximately 25 feet deeper – in anticipation of the Turnpike reconstruction project. The relocation will be achieved by horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The HDD bore to relocate the line will total approximately 600 feet. One end of the bore will be located in Hickory Park, and the other off of Autumn Lane.
Work on the project is slated to begin in February. The work will necessitate a temporary closure of Hickory Park to the public. This closure will last through the end of March, barring any unforeseen delays. Park user groups have been notified of the planned closure.
Upper Uwchlan Township is currently coordinating with TC Energy to minimize the impact on Township facilities and establish temporary workspace plans. No work will take place on the surface of the playing fields within the fenced areas. At the conclusion of the project, any parking lot area utilized by the contractor will be re-paved; any green or landscaped areas will be re-seeded and restored.
As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on the Township website. Residents with questions are welcome to call the Township office.
More information about the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s reconstruction and widening project can be found at patpconstruction.com/mp298to312. When completed, the Turnpike roadway will consist of six 12-foot travel lanes (three lanes in each direction) with 12-foot left and right shoulders. Preparation for the reconstruction also includes the replacement of two overhead bridges: Milford Road, which was replaced in 2019, and Park Road, which is slated to be replaced in late 2020.
Upper Uwchlan Township is a Township of the Second class, population 11,500, located in central Chester County, PA. Visit us on the web at www.upperuwchlan- pa.gov. Like us on Facebook and Twitter @upperuwchlan.
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