Expand<\/a><\/p>\nThose comments pointed out common causes such as badly timed traffic lights, a lack of designated turning lanes, and outdated or complex intersections.<\/p>\n
The report compiles a list of top-priority bottlenecks in Lehigh and Northampton counties. It said an effective plan addresses both recurring \u2014 regular congestion \u2014 and nonrecurring, caused by such things as accidents or bad weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn effective CMP addresses both types using operational improvements and long-term planning strategies,\u201d the LVPC said. \u201cIn the Lehigh Valley, the main contributors to congestion are traffic incidents and other\/unclassified disruptions, which account for most delays.\u201d<\/p>\n
Solutions to some of these problems are identified through items already included in the Transportation Improvement Program compiled by the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study as a federally required list of prioritized projects, while others are in the FutureLV, the LVPC\u2019s master plan.<\/p>\n
Here are the top 10 priority bottlenecks in Lehigh County:<\/p>\n
Route 222 westbound near Mill Creek Road, Upper Macungie Township<\/p>\n
The issue: Congestion increases where Grange Road merges into Route 222 combined with uncoordinated signal timing at Mill Creek Road.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 19,400 including 1,248 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Retime signals and evaluate lane configurations to reduce delays<\/p>\n
Route 222 eastbound near Hamilton Boulevard, Lower Macungie Township<\/p>\n
The issue: Recurring congestion contributes to backups at the signalized intersection. It also contributes to intermittent bottlenecks along Hamilton.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 16,379 including 1,537 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Upgrade traffic signals and timing and measure performance at about 17 nearby intersections; redesign weave area between Pennsylvania Turnpike overpass and I-78 interchange, along with intersection with Kressler and Cedarbrook roads, by extending merge lanes<\/p>\n
Route 309 southbound near Interstate 78, Upper Saucon Township<\/p>\n
The issue: There is repeated peak-period congestion caused by heavy merging and weaving movements between I-78 and Route 309 traffic. Closely spaced ramps and signalized intersections add to the congestion.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 26,344 including 3,712 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Construction of the Route 309 interchange with Center Valley Parkway along with resurfacing to the Bucks County line and replacing signal heads; reconstruct two ramps at the I-78\/Route 309 south interchange; restoration of I-78 from Lehigh Street to Route 309 south including converting shoulders to dual use lane on I-78 east from Emmaus Avenue; relocate lanes of northbound 309 to southbound traffic side between Route 378 and Lanark Road<\/p>\n
Route 29 northbound near I-78, Salisbury Township<\/p>\n
The issue: The exit lane of the Route 29 northbound interchange with I-78 merges onto Cedar Crest Boulevard while allowing both left and right turns, creating recurring conflicts. Traffic is further compounded by a nearby signalized intersection.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 14,767 including 1,107 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: No planned improvements; redesign merge zones and add directional lanes to improve flow<\/p>\n
Cedar Crest Boulevard near I-78, Salisbury Township<\/p>\n
The issue: The exit lane of the Cedar Crest Boulevard north interchange with I-78 allows both left and right turns. Traffic is further impeded by a nearby signalized intersection. Traffic from Emmaus High School and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest also contribute to the congestion.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 18,089 including 1,949 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Resurface Route 29 from Minesite Road to I-78; upgrade signals from Fish Hatchery Road and Lincoln Avenue; add dedicated turns lanes<\/p>\n
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near South 15th Street, Allentown<\/p>\n
The issue: Traffic merging from Lil Peep Street onto MLK Jr. Drive contributes to backups at the signalized intersection. Additional factors include school bus parking and pedestrians.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 15,154 including 454 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Construct roundabouts with sidewalk enhancements; improve pedestrian safety along MLK Jr. Drive at Fourth and Lehigh streets; build MLK Jr. trail extension to Cedar Creek Parkway trail network<\/p>\n
South Jefferson Street near South 15th Street and MLK Jr. Drive, Allentown<\/p>\n
The issue: A mix of merging lanes, unsignalized intersections, pedestrian crossings and nearby signalized intersections within a short distance<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 12,728 including 586 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Construct roundabout at Jefferson Street and Park Drive, Lehigh Parkway East, Lehigh Parkway South and Tioga Street; implement lane narrowing and pedestrian improvements; signal enhancements<\/p>\n
Route 222 eastbound near Hamilton Boulevard, Lower Macungie Township.<\/p>\n
The issue: Vehicles exiting Route 222 eastbound toward Hamilton Boulevard and continuing to I-78 must merge across traffic entering from Hamilton Boulevard.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 16,178 including 1,497 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Upgrade nearby traffic signals; construct a roundabout at Hamilton Boulevard and Lower Macungie Road; improve the intersection at Route 222 and Krocks Road<\/p>\n
Tilghman Street eastbound near Route 100, Upper Macungie Township<\/p>\n
The issue: Tilghman Street eastbound supports both through and local traffic from nearby businesses and industrial buildings. There is high volume during weekday peak periods and there are recurring delays because of turning traffic.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,874 including 1,527 trucks<\/p>\n
Solution: Widen Tilghman Street from Route 100 to Ruppsville Road with signal upgrades<\/p>\n
Route 222 southbound near I-78, South Whitehall Township<\/p>\n
The issue: While carrying traffic for Dorney Park, the lack of dedicated merging lanes between the I-78 exits and Route 222 contributes to congestion.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 12,883 including 1,117 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Resurface Route 222 from 15th Street in Allentown to I-78; redesign weave area between Pennsylvania Turnpike overpass and I-78 interchange, along intersection with Kressler and Cedarbrook roads; reconfigure lanes, modify ramps and revise traffic signals at interchange between I-78 and Route 222<\/p>\n
Here are the top 10 priority bottlenecks in Northampton County:<\/p>\n
Broadway westbound at Fourth Street, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: Broadway westbound at the Fourth Street Ramp and Broadhead Avenue supports a mix of local and regional traffic across the Lehigh River. Conditions are influenced by a dense urban street network, signalized intersections and frequent pedestrian activity. The presence of on-street parking, transit activity and limited curb space further affects efficiency.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,314 including 450 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: While there are no planned improvements, some strategies could include optimized signal timing and turning movements to reduce delays; upgraded crosswalk and pedestrian signals; improved on-street parking and loading zones.<\/p>\n
Broadway eastbound near West Third Street, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: Conditions at this location reflect a constrained urban setting with closely spaced intersections, and a high-level of pedestrian and bicycle activity. Traffic is influenced by turning movements, on-street parking and periodic curbside activity. The corridor\u2019s proximity to the riverfront and downtown destinations increases multimodal demand.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,314 including 450 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: There are no planned improvements. Some strategies could include optimized signal timing and turning movements; upgraded crosswalk and pedestrian signals; improved on-street parking; and loading zones.<\/p>\n
Route 378 northbound near Hill to Hill Bridge, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: Travel slows at the approach to the Hill to Hill Bridge. Congestion is compounded by backups from nearby signalized intersections.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 17,267 including 851 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Improvements are planned for the Hill to Hill Bridge and the ramp to Main Street.<\/p>\n
West Third Street westbound at Second Street Ramp, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: There are high volumes of traffic with closely spaced intersections in a constrained urban setting. Proximity to mixed-use development and institutional destinations adds to volume.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,314 including 450 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: There are no planned improvements, but strategies could include dedicated truck route and off-peak delivery initiatives; redesign of Third Street; and signal timing improvements.<\/p>\n
Stefko Boulevard northbound near Pembroke Road, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: Northbound backups frequently develop during commuter periods as through traffic competes with left- and right-turn movements. Closely spaced access points and pedestrian crossings further influence progression. Variability in traffic flow, including school-related activity and neighborhood circulation, contributes to intermittent delays.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 14,633 including 951 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: There are no planned improvements, but some strategies include signal retiming and coordination; shared commercial driveways; continuing sidewalks; and high-visibility crosswalks.<\/p>\n
Freemansburg Avenue westbound near Washington and Cambria streets, Freemansburg<\/p>\n
The issue: Westbound vehicles frequently experience backups as left- and right-turn movements compete with through traffic, compounded by closely spaced driveways. Short turning lanes also reduce corridor efficiency.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,522 including 859 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Safety improvements, including the realignment of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road, are planned. Other strategies include adjusting signal timing, encouraging off-peak truck delivery and pedestrian safety enhancements.<\/p>\n
Pembroke Road westbound near Stefko Boulevard, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: Rush-hour traffic competes with turning vehicles at the signalized intersection. Westbound traffic often experiences delays as vehicles navigate left- and right-turn movements serving adjacent residential and commercial properties.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 14,113 including 533 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: There are no planned improvements, but strategies include reconstruction and realignment of the intersection; traffic signal upgrades with rapid flash beacons; sidewalk connectivity; and improved bus stop amenities.<\/p>\n
South 25th Street northbound near Route 22, Palmer Township<\/p>\n
The issue: Northbound volumes peak during morning and evening periods, creating backups. Frequent turning movements, closely spaced commercial access points and interactions with adjacent traffic signals exacerbate congestion.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 14,039 including 551 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Resurfacing projects are planned from the Lehigh River bridge to Freemansburg Avenue and along Nazareth Road to Hollo Road in Lower Nazareth Township. Other improvements include drainage updates, shoulder widening, flattening of curves, intersection improvements, signage and guardrail upgrades and embankment removal. There will also be a study to improve the interchange at Route 22.<\/p>\n
Stefko Boulevard northbound near Minsi Trail Bridge, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: The road is a recurring bottleneck because of high peak-hour commuter demand, bridge-related lane constraints and concentrated turning movements at nearby intersections. Northbound traffic frequently experiences backups as vehicles merge and navigate signalized approaches, with limited lane capacity on the bridge.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 13,729 including 1,115 trucks.<\/p>\n
Solutions: Strategies include signal retiming, left-turn configuration from Market to Broad streets along with improvements for pedestrians.<\/p>\n
Stefko Boulevard southbound near Minsi Trail Bridge, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
The issue: This stretch has high peak-period traffic, constrained bridge lane capacity and significant turning movements at nearby intersections. Southbound backups often form as vehicles merge and navigate signalized access points, while interactions with commercial driveways and pedestrian crossings cause delays.<\/p>\n
Average daily traffic: 12,368 including 996 trucks<\/p>\n
Solutions: Strategies include signal retiming, left-turn land configuration coming from Stefko and Market, up to Broad Street and improvements for pedestrians.<\/p>\n
Morning Call reporter Evan Jones can be reached at ejones@mcall.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Traveling on Route 222 through Allentown\u2019s western suburbs or trying to traverse Bethlehem\u2019s South Side during a workday…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":185247,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[119,121,120,153,1391,1413,6290,11998,433,157,182,2754,139,434,2182,9790,3431,28,2183,664,432,2155,4129],"class_list":["post-185246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-allentown","tag-allentown","tag-allentown-headlines","tag-allentown-news","tag-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem-area","tag-east-penn","tag-easton-area","tag-freemansburg","tag-lehigh-county","tag-lehigh-valley","tag-local-news","tag-lower-macungie-township","tag-news","tag-northampton-county","tag-palmer-township","tag-parkland-area","tag-penndot","tag-pennsylvania","tag-salisbury-township","tag-south-whitehall-township","tag-top-stories-tmc","tag-transportation","tag-upper-macungie-township"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=185246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185246\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/185247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=185246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=185246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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