The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will provide $66 million over the next eight years to help expand highway access through an interchange that could benefit Norristown, writes Joseph Jaafari for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to Jaafari, the interchange will give drivers access to the cashless tolls on and off both the Valley Forge and Norristown exits, two of the busiest in the state.

The full project costs $100 million, which will be funded through 2024 by federal funds, primarily, with Montgomery County kicking in 20 percent to cover costs.

The first phase of construction includes extending Lafayette Street in Norristown into Plymouth Township.

Construction is underway with the widening of Ridge Pike between Ross Street and School Lane and the rebuilding of Fairfield Road and Diamond Avenue, which eventually will connect to Lafayette Street.

Next year, Lafayette will be widened to ease congestion in the area.

According to Jaafari, officials said they are hoping to spark economic development in downtown Norristown and provide jobs to 2,600 people in the area.

“The interchange is the critical piece to connecting downtown Norristown into the highway system and bringing an economic renaissance to the county seat,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph C. Gale.

Click here to read more about how the construction will benefit Norristown in the Philadelphia Inquirer.