The Neshaminy Boulevard/Rockhill Drive Improvement project in Bensalem Township is set to significantly enhance traffic flow and safety in the area. This vital infrastructure undertaking focuses on milling, overlaying, and widening the existing Neshaminy Boulevard, particularly in the vicinity of Rockhill Drive. The primary goal of the project is to alleviate the persistent congestion at the Rockhill Drive and Neshaminy Boulevard intersection. This congestion has a ripple effect, notably impacting travel on U.S. 1 at the Neshaminy Interchange, a crucial artery for commuters and local traffic.
To effectively combat this congestion, the improvement plan incorporates the addition of dedicated turn lanes and strategic lane reconfigurations. The scope of these improvements is comprehensive, addressing key sections of both Neshaminy Boulevard and Rockhill Drive to optimize traffic movement and pedestrian safety.
Neshaminy Boulevard Enhancements
A series of targeted improvements are planned for Neshaminy Boulevard to create a smoother and safer traffic environment:
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Sidewalk Installation: Pedestrian access along Neshaminy Boulevard will be significantly improved with the addition of a new sidewalk. This sidewalk will run along the south side of Neshaminy Boulevard, creating a continuous path from Palton Road to Rockhill Drive, seamlessly connecting to the existing sidewalk east of Rockhill Drive. This enhancement promotes walkability and pedestrian safety in the area.
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Right Turn Lane Improvement: The right turn lane from southbound Neshaminy Boulevard onto Rockhill Drive is slated for milling, overlaying, and widening. This will improve the turning radius and capacity of this lane, reducing bottlenecks and improving traffic flow for vehicles turning right onto Rockhill Drive.
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Northbound Widening to Two Lanes: Northbound Neshaminy Boulevard will experience a significant upgrade with widening to create two lanes from the Rockhill Drive intersection extending to the signalized intersection serving Neshaminy Mall and Neshaminy Square. This expansion includes milling and overlaying the existing pavement, alongside complete depth widening of the roadway. The addition of a second lane will increase capacity and reduce queuing in the northbound direction, especially approaching the busy Neshaminy Mall area.
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Extended Sidewalk to Neshaminy Mall Intersection: Continuing the focus on pedestrian infrastructure, a new sidewalk will be constructed along the south side of Neshaminy Boulevard, stretching from Rockhill Drive to the signalized Neshaminy Mall and Neshaminy Square Intersection. This further expands pedestrian-friendly zones and enhances connectivity for those accessing the commercial areas.
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Center Turn Lane Extension: The existing center turn lane along Neshaminy Boulevard will be extended to reach the signalized intersection at Neshaminy Mall and Neshaminy Square. This extension will provide a dedicated lane for left-turning vehicles, improving traffic flow and reducing delays for through traffic.
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Restriping for Optimized Lane Configuration: Neshaminy Boulevard, from the signalized Neshaminy Mall and Neshaminy Square Intersection to the Bristol Road Intersection, will undergo restriping. This restriping will establish a travel lane in each direction, complemented by the addition of a center turn lane. This optimized lane configuration will enhance traffic flow and safety along this stretch of Neshaminy Boulevard.
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Retaining Wall Construction: To facilitate the roadway widening and ensure structural integrity, a retaining wall will be built along the north side of Neshaminy Boulevard. This wall will be located between the two mall access entrances, supporting the expanded roadway and ensuring long-term stability.
Rockhill Drive Enhancements
Rockhill Drive will also see key improvements aimed at easing traffic flow and enhancing intersection efficiency:
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Second Left Turn Lane Addition: A crucial improvement for traffic turning onto Neshaminy Boulevard will be the construction of a second left turn lane on Rockhill Drive for vehicles heading northbound onto Neshaminy Boulevard. This additional lane will significantly increase the capacity for left turns, reducing queues and improving traffic flow from Rockhill Drive onto Neshaminy Boulevard.
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Widening South of Intersection: Rockhill Drive, south of its intersection with Neshaminy Boulevard, will be widened to seamlessly integrate with the additional lanes being constructed to the north. This widening ensures a consistent roadway width and smooth transition for traffic flow along Rockhill Drive.
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Mill and Overlay from Neshaminy Mall Area: To improve the road surface and driving experience, mill and overlay work is planned for Rockhill Drive from the Neshaminy Mall and Target Shopping Center Intersection to the intersection with Neshaminy Boulevard. This will result in a smoother, more durable road surface, enhancing driving comfort and safety.
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Sidewalk Construction on Neshaminy Mall Side: Pedestrian infrastructure will be further enhanced on Rockhill Drive with the construction of a sidewalk along the Neshaminy Mall side. This sidewalk will extend from the U.S. 1 Section RC2 northbound off-ramp to the intersection with Neshaminy Boulevard, creating a safer and more convenient pedestrian route connecting key commercial areas.
Stormwater Management and Land Acquisition
The project also incorporates crucial considerations beyond roadway improvements. Stormwater management facilities are currently under assessment to ensure the project adheres to environmental regulations and effectively manages water runoff. Furthermore, the project anticipates the need for Permanent Right-of-Way acquisition to accommodate the widened roadways and new infrastructure. Temporary Construction Easements will also be necessary to provide contractors with access to the construction areas throughout the duration of the project.
In conclusion, the Neshaminy Boulevard/Rockhill Drive Improvement project represents a significant investment in Bensalem Township’s infrastructure. By addressing traffic congestion, enhancing pedestrian safety, and modernizing key roadways like Rock Hill Road and Neshaminy Boulevard, this project is poised to deliver lasting benefits to residents, commuters, and the overall transportation network in the region.
