Step 3 of 4
Construction
Next Step: Completed
Project Overview
County: Montgomery
Municipality: Upper Merion Township
State Route(s): U.S. 202
Local Name(s): Dekalb Pike
Project Type: Sinkhole Remediation
Last Updated: February 2026
The U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) sinkhole remediation project will provide a long-term solution to address repeat sinkholes that have occurred within the roadways. The proposed work will be completed along U.S. 202 (DeKalb Pike) in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard.
The proposed scope of work includes a limited mobility grouting program that will involve drilling holes through the pavement in a “grid” pattern. Pressurized grout will be injected into the drilled holes to fill subsurface voids beneath the roadway. The filling of subsurface voids will help stabilize the ground beneath the pavement and reduce the risk of future sinkholes. Additional proposed work for this project includes drainage pipe replacement and pavement reconstruction.
Construction Update
Stage 2 construction will begin on Thursday, February 26, to repair and reconstruct southbound U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) under a $22.4 million project to provide long-term sinkhole remediation on U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, and on Route 29 (Morehall Road) in East Whiteland Township, Chester County.
Motorists are advised of the following travel restriction:
- Thursday, February 26, through late fall 2026, southbound U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) be closed and detoured 24/7 between Prince Frederick Boulevard/Saulin Boulevard and Henderson Road.
During the closure, motorists will be directed to use Saulin Boulevard and Henderson Road. Local access will be maintained at all times to residences and businesses.
PennDOT reopened northbound U.S. 202 North (Dekalb Pike) between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following eight months of construction to repair and remediate sinkholes under Stage 1 of the project.
Remediation of sinkholes on U.S. 202 (DeKalb Pike) were deemed necessary for a long-term solution following reoccurring sinkholes and emergency repairs resulting in traffic disruptions along both corridors.
Heidelberg Materials, LLC of northeast region, is the general contractor on this project, which is financed with 100 percent federal funds.
The Process of Fixing a Sinkhole
Fixing sinkholes on U.S. 202 is a massive engineering puzzle that goes way deeper than the pavement!
The geology under a sinkhole is unpredictable. Under the surface, bedrock depth can shift by 60ft in just a few steps. Our crews often drill over 100 feet deep, and we don’t stop until we’ve penetrated 10 feet of solid rock to ensure a permanent fix.
Why does it take so long?
Drilling through solid rock takes much longer than drilling through soil —about 5-10 minutes for every 10 feet. With hundreds of holes to drill and specialized equipment to move, it’s a time-consuming process.
Once the holes are ready, we use Low-Mobility Grouting. Think of it as an extra-thick, heavy concrete pumped deep underground. Unlike regular concrete, it stays in a tight bulb, using high pressure to squeeze and compact the soil, filling hidden voids and stopping sinkholes before they start.
Click here to watch how that drilling happens!
Accessibility
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the Project Manager listed above.
Title VI
Pursuant to the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.