PLYMOUTH MEETING — The northbound part of Plymouth Road was scheduled to be closed on Friday night after initial indications that another sinkhole was developing, as indicated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The northbound lane will be closed from Butler Pike to Rittenhouse Square in Plymouth Township. Drivers can use Germantown Pike, Flourtown, and Joshua roads as alternative routes. However, local residents and businesses will still have access.
Previously, the road was closed on Friday, Feb. 2, when a roughly 15-by-15-foot sinkhole was marked off. The road section remained closed for about a week before opening again for traffic.
The right turning lane into an apartment complex has been unavailable for the past two weeks, a measure that PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Robyn Briggs stated was necessary for monitoring the area.
It is not clear how long the lane closure will last, as PennDOT engineers need to “further assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan to fully repair and safely reopen the highway,” a spokesperson said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Construction activities are also “weather dependent.”
The thoroughfare, which links to major regional roads such as Interstate 476 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, reopened on Feb. 9. Approximately 9,700 vehicles travel this road in Plymouth Township daily.
PennDOT officials advised drivers to be patient, “allow for extra time,” and be considerate of crews while passing through the area.
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The beginnings of a sinkhole seem to be emerging on Plymouth Road, months after the same area was repaired. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)
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Traffic is shown backing up along Plymouth Road on May 3, 2024 as a lane is expected to close due to a sinkhole. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)
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A sign is placed on the side of Plymouth Road on May 3, 2024 informing drivers of a lane closure due to a sinkhole. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)
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