MAXATAWNY TWP., Pa. – A stretch of highway connecting Reading and Allentown is facing some construction that could impact travel for several months.

Long lines of traffic paired with construction vehicles are a driver’s nightmare.

“This is to improve safety and mobility through this section of roadway,” said Sean Brown, with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

That’s the goal PennDOT asks drivers to be patient for as work continues.

“We just started a new phase of construction, and that involves the closing of Long Lane between Route 222 and Topton Road,” Brown said.

This closure, starting in less than a week, will cause some traffic jams until completion.

“Local access will be maintained, but through-traffic will be detoured utilizing Route 222 and Topton Road,” Brown said.

By removing traffic signals and installing roundabouts, highway officials say the journey across this stretch of highway in Maxatawny Township will be much smoother.  

“I like them — the ones down there they seem to be working,” David Hoover of Lancaster said about the roundabouts.

Officials say they’re safer than signalized intersections.

“While they still do have crashes, they are minor crashes — some fender benders,” Brown said. “We’re really eliminating your major injury and your fatal crashes with the roundabouts.”

The roundabouts also address traffic backups on this road that sends drivers through Berks County, Lehigh County and beyond.

“We noticed that traffic does move much more efficiently through the old intersections that used to be signalized intersections,” Brown said. “There used to be a lot of long backups, especially during your busy times of the day.”

Still, not everyone is on board, like those who work along the stretch.

“People don’t know where to go. It’s also a high-traffic destination for travelers, and they always stop in here, asking which way to go,” said Sophia Husko, a Rutter’s employee. “We can’t provide them straight answers because we don’t even know what they’re doing.”

The project began in April of last year and is expected to be completed by September of 2027.