102273 | Ridge/Germantown Intersection Realignment - Phase 1, Perkiomen Crossing (Collegeville Borough & Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County)

This intersection realignment project will replace the intersection of Germantown Pike, Ridge Pike, and River Road—which currently sits near the Ridge Pike Bridge over Perkiomen Creek—with two separate intersections to the east in order to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through this corridor . The first of these will relocate the River Road intersection with Germantown Pike utilizing a roundabout configuration. The second intersection will be signalized and will connect Ridge Pike with the re-aligned Germantown Pike south of the new roundabout. Reconfiguring these intersections will improve safety and mobility in the project area by increasing the spacing between the existing bridge and the new Ridge Pike and Germantown Pike intersection. The roundabout will direct traffic more efficiently to the new signal controlled intersection on Ridge Pike. In addition, a short new connector road will be built between Ridge Pike and Pechins Mill Road to provide access to residents along Pechins Mill Road, which is also being realigned to improve traffic flow. These advance operational improvements are considered Phase 1 of a future improved crossing of the Perkiomen Creek being proposed due to congestion and safety issues where Germantown Pike, Ridge Pike, Main Street, and Route 29 converge. The Ridge Pike Bridge over Perkiomen Creek was constructed in 1791 and is the second oldest stone arch structure in Pennsylvania. Additional improvements in Collegeville are currently being advanced as part of an HOP to realign First and Second Avenue and eliminate offset intersections.
A future Phase II Second Collegeville/Perkiomen Crossing south of the existing stone arch bridge is planned, but due to impacts to wetlands, floodplains, parks, threatened and endangered species, and archaeology, Phase I operational improvements will be constructed in advance of a new crossing and will be evaluated for traffic impacts. The Phase 1 improvements are required before a second bridge can be constructed as they will provide connectivity of the second bridge with the existing roadway network.