Ground broken in Chesco for Rt. 29-Turnpike interchange

After more than a decade on the drawing board, an all-electronic interchange linking the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 29 in Chester County moved closer to reality this morning.

A groundbreaking ceremony in East Whiteland Township for the $48 million project - funded through toll revenues - attracted about a dozen state and local politicians as well as turnpike officials.

The junction, midway between the Downingtown and Valley Forge interchanges, will give commuters easier access to the corporate parks in and around Great Valley. The project is expected to open in the fall of 2012.

Turnpike officials said 45,000 to 50,000 motorists travel the 14-mile stretch between Downingtown and Valley Forge each day. They said the project should alleviate congestion on the turnpike as well as stretches of Routes 29 and 401.

"This project is an example of government agencies responding to the needs of local residents," said Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello.

Access to the interchange will require an E-Z pass account, which can be obtained online at www.paturnpike.com or by calling 1-877-736-6727. Turnpike officials said two-thirds of its customers are E-ZPass users.