MacDade Boulevard Interchange Honored as Outstanding Project of 2026

The Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (Delco PSPE) has awarded the MacDade Boulevard/I-476 Interchange with the 2026 Outstanding Project Award. This recognition highlights significant engineering contributions to Delaware and southern Chester counties in Pennsylvania.

Each year, the Delco PSPE evaluates projects based on criteria such as social impact, economic benefits, sustainable development, innovation, and complexity. The MacDade Boulevard/I-476 interchange, which was initially completed in 1992, has recently undergone improvements as part of a broader project to enhance travel safety and efficiency along the I-476 corridor.

Notable Improvements and Achievements

Since its completion, the interchange has facilitated over 30,000 vehicles daily. The recent enhancements, executed by Allan Myers Inc., were finished 615 days ahead of schedule at a total construction cost of $19.1 million. Key improvements include:

• Reconfiguration of ramps, removing an outdated off-ramp to prevent unsafe merges onto MacDade Boulevard.
• The addition of a new travel lane on northbound I-476, significantly improving traffic flow during peak hours.
• A replacement of the old pedestrian bridge with a new, safer structure.

Leading the project was Bill Laird, project manager from HDR Engineering Inc. Laird, who has over 32 years of experience, collaborated closely with Charles Davies from PennDOT’s District 6, ensuring that the multifaceted project was executed smoothly. Laird holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Widener University and resides in West Chester with his family.

Acknowledgment and Future Events

The MacDade Boulevard/I-476 Interchange will be formally recognized during Engineers Week, with a banquet scheduled for February 6, 2026, at Anthony’s Restaurant in Springfield. Those interested in attending can reserve a spot by contacting Mike Ciocco at 610-532-2884 or via email at [email protected]. More information is also available on the Delco PSPE website.

This award not only highlights the engineering excellence behind the MacDade Boulevard/I-476 interchange but also reflects the ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure in the region, ultimately benefiting the daily commuters and enhancing overall road safety.