Weekend Road Warrior Outlook: May 12-13

The Northwest Philadelphia traveler has it easy this weekend, with only a few minor obstacles between you and Center City.

First off, In Mt. Airy you may have noticed some work being done near the intersection of Cresheim Valley Drive and Germantown Avenue. That’s PennDOT’s effort to repair some of the wear and tear the cobblestones have suffered over the past three or four years.

According to PennDOT assistant press secretary Eugene Blaum, it’s an upkeep project that began April 30 and will likely be finished mid- to late-June.

But the construction is being done in sections. Current work directly below the Cresheim Valley overpass will be finished soon, while construction directly in front of the Trolley Car Diner will resume Sunday night starting at 7 p.m. Blaum said PennDOT coordinated with owner Ken Weinstein to ensure it won’t affect his business.

After the current section is completed, the construction will move from the Mt. Airy section of Germantown Avenue to the Chestnut Hill side between Cresheim Valley Drive and Springfield Avenue.

The project is not expected create lane closures, but lanes have shifted a bit.

Also in Mt. Airy, the section of West Allens Lane from Germantown Avenue to Bryan Street is still closed (except to local traffic) for the Water Department’s project to replace a water main. The project is set to be completed late May or early June. After that section is complete, the project will move to the section between Bryan Street to Cresheim Road.

Drivers should also note that the pay-to-park kiosks in Chestnut Hill’s seven lots are installed and the Philadelphia Parking Authority can now issue tickets to violators.

If you’re heading to the King of Prussia Mall, I-476 between Germantown Pike and I-76 will be condensed to two lanes both ways Friday night after 9 p.m.

The construction will continue May 14 through 18, but construction will be done during the evening hours.

Another issue for the Northwest traveler will be Kelly Drive’s closure for the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta on May 11 and 12.

The event will result in the closure of portions of Kelly Drive. Furthermore, the event will likely cause excessive traffic due to the amount of spectators it usually attracts.

If you’re attending the event, there will be shuttles provided from parking areas to spectator areas.

However, the site should be easily accessible to bicyclists.