The Montgomery County Commissioners announced today that the construction to repair sinkholes on a portion of Butler Pike between Germantown Pike and Flourtown/Plymouth roads in Plymouth Meeting has been completed. The road will reopen on Friday, December 18th. The impacted portion of the road has been closed since August of 2018.

“We are pleased to announce we have completed the Butler Pike sinkhole remediation work ahead of schedule despite the unusual working conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Montgomery County remains committed to the safety of both our employees and residents. We thank our contractor Loftus Construction for delivering a high quality work product and helping us reopen this important stretch of road in record time.”

From the announcement:

The County’s first construction priority was the implementation of a sinkhole remediation plan developed by its contracted engineer Gannett Fleming. In accordance with the design and full-time engineering oversight, the County grouted several voids that existed below grade. These voids caused sinking and damage to Butler Pike and underground utilities.

The County’s second priority was to control and handle storm water runoff in the vicinity of the roadway. As a result, Montgomery County made significant improvements including construction of a new concrete drainage channel beneath Butler Pike and improved drainage features at the source and downstream of the new channel.

Other work on this project includes the installation of concrete barriers at Norfolk Southern railroad abutments, installing road drainage features, road base construction, and completion of asphalt paving and other concrete work. In addition, guiderails were installed during the final construction phase.

Montgomery County recognizes the Public Utility commission (PUC), Whitemarsh and Plymouth townships, Norfolk Southern, Texas Eastern Gas Pipeline, PECO Gas and Electric, Verizon, Comcast and the Whitemarsh Authority for their support and partnership to complete the Butler Pike project.

While Butler Pike may be ready to reopen, we have received several messages over the past couple of weeks about a portion of Chemical Road sinking. This has been an ongoing issue and was last repaired in 2019.

Photo: Montgomery County