The Shapiro administration is marking a busy and productive construction season across East Central Pennsylvania, with several major transportation projects underway or completed in Berks County.
PennDOT’s Engineering District 5 reported this week that 87 projects valued at more than $840 million are active across the region, which includes Berks and five neighboring counties. So far in 2025, 39 projects have been completed, including a significant improvement project along Interstate 78 in Berks County.
District 5 Executive Chris Kufro said the year’s progress reflects ongoing statewide investment in transportation infrastructure. “It was a great year for road and bridge projects, including a major I-78 project in Berks County,” Kufro said. “PennDOT will continue to work with regional planning partners to prioritize projects to improve safety and mobility in east central Pennsylvania.”
I-78: Major Improvements Completed and Ongoing
The largest completed project in District 5 this year — and one of the largest in the state — was the $134.6 million Interstate 78 Improvement Project in Hamburg Borough and Tilden Township.
The work included a full reconfiguration of the I-78/Route 61 interchange ramps, widening and rehabilitation of the I-78 bridge over the Schuylkill River, widening of the I-78 bridge over Port Clinton Avenue, replacement of the Route 61 bridge over the interstate, and extensive upgrades such as retaining walls, drainage systems, lighting, guide rails, and sound barriers.
Several additional Berks County I-78 projects continue this year, including:
- Replacement of the I-78 bridge over Maiden Creek and Route 143 in Greenwich Township, $120 million.
- Patching, milling, and paving along I-78 in Tilden and Upper Bern townships, estimated $21.72 million.
Route 61 Corridor Sees Significant Work
Multiple projects along Route 61 also continue through 2025, including:
- Patching, milling, paving, and bridge rehabilitation in Hamburg Borough and Tilden Township, $30.7 million.
- Resurfacing, drainage improvements, and bridge maintenance in Tilden Township, $13.5 million.
Other Notable Berks County Projects Underway
Additional work happening across Berks County includes:
- Installation of a roundabout at Route 222 and Long Lane in Maxatawny Township, $9 million.
- Replacement of the Route 183/Schuylkill Avenue bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the City of Reading, $8.47 million.
Recently Completed Projects in Berks
PennDOT also finished several key Berks County projects earlier this year, including:
- Patching, milling, and paving along I-78 in Bethel, Upper Bern, and Upper Tulpehocken townships, $17.7 million.
- Improvements along I-176 in New Morgan Borough and Caernarvon Township, $5.2 million.
- Intersection upgrades at Routes 12 and 73 in Ruscombmanor Township, $5.68 million.
- Milling and paving along Route 100 in Bally Borough and Colebrookdale and Washington townships, $4.7 million.
- Replacement of the Weavertown Road Bridge in Amity Township, $4.2 million.
Statewide Progress Continues
Since the start of the year, PennDOT has improved more than 4,800 miles of roadway statewide, including 1,400 miles of paving, and has advanced work on 368 bridges. Under the Shapiro administration, 17,722 miles of roadway have been improved so far, alongside repairs or replacements on 1,540 state and local bridges.
More than 50 additional projects are expected to be put out for bid in District 5 before the end of the year, representing an estimated $135 million in future investment.
PennDOT officials said they will continue coordinating with local and regional partners to plan future upgrades aimed at improving travel, safety, and long-term infrastructure reliability for communities across Berks County and the wider region.
