PECO, AQUA projects to impact Upper Darby Township traffic

Delaware County drivers, beware: two utility projects are set to affect traffic in the township in the coming weeks.

Starting the week of March 22 and lasting through the end of summer, Aqua Pennsylvania will replace 3,500 feet of water main on Township Line Road between Cobbs Street and West Chester Pike in Haverford and Upper Darby townships.

In a March 6 letter to individuals who live or work in the area, Aqua said the $2.2 million project is part of a program that has so far replaced more than 19 miles of aging water main in Delaware County. The new water main will reduce the potential for main breaks and discolored water, and it will improve water flow in the area, Aqua said.

Water main construction will generally take place on weeknights from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and during that time residents and businesses will have access to their properties — but they may at times need to enter from different directions due to changing work zones. Access will also be provided for emergencies, mail, school buses and trash service during construction.

Aqua also said it will notify customers ahead of any planned water service interruptions during the project and will provide 24-hour advance notice for any scheduled interruption greater than 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, starting on March 23 PECO Energy is scheduled to perform utility construction on Burmont Road in Upper Darby Township.

Weather permitting, Burmont Road will be closed and detoured weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between U.S. 1 (Township Line Road) and State Road. That travel restriction will last through April 24, but the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation noted that “local access will be maintained at all times.”

PennDOT also advised drivers to allow extra time when traveling near the work area or along the detour route, as backups and delays may occur.