The Lehigh Valley's Route 22 is a bustling highway, but it's time for a much-needed overhaul. The Route 22 Safety, Mobility, and Congestion Management Plan aims to address the challenges this vital corridor faces. Here's a deep dive into the key findings and the proposed solutions.
A Main Street with a Traffic Congestion Problem
Route 22 is the lifeblood of the Lehigh Valley, but it's also a recipe for gridlock. The study reveals that only 7% of daily traffic travels the entire corridor from I-78 to Easton. Most drivers use it for local trips, leading to slowdowns at merge points. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to managing traffic flow.
The numbers are eye-opening. Daily traffic volumes range from 40,000 near Tilghman to over 90,000 at MacArthur Road/Seventh Street. This heavy traffic volume, coupled with the local nature of many trips, puts immense pressure on the highway's infrastructure.
A Dangerous Journey
Route 22 is not just congested; it's also a dangerous highway. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 2,050 crashes and 117 on-ramp incidents. The crash rates exceed the statewide average for similar roadways, with 60% of westbound and 78% of eastbound lanes experiencing this issue. This widespread distribution of crashes underscores the need for safety improvements.
The Highway's Age Shows
Built in 1954, Route 22 is showing its age. The current left shoulders are only 4 feet wide, while right shoulders range from 8 to 10 feet. Modern standards recommend 12-foot shoulders for high-volume corridors to accommodate emergency situations. The interchanges, many of which retain their original design, are spaced too closely together, and most are designed for speeds below the recommended 30 mph minimum.
The bridges along the corridor are also in need of attention. 29 out of 33 bridges are rated as 'fair', and four are considered 'good'. Six bridges have substandard vertical clearance, posing a risk to larger vehicles.
Projects in the Pipeline
The study is coordinating with PennDOT on several improvement projects already in various stages of design. These include:
- Fullerton Avenue Interchange: A connection to the future Riverside Drive from Allentown is planned.
- Route 22 Widening: A six-lane widening project between Fullerton Avenue and Airport Road, expected to begin in 2028 and complete in 2031.
- Route 191 Interchange Redesign: A $115 million project in Bethlehem Township, with final design completion in 2031 and construction in 2034.
- Route 145 Bridge Rehabilitation: A $7.3 million project to widen the bridge over Jordan Creek near the Whitehall Township interchange, with construction starting in 2029.
A Future Worth Looking Forward To
The Route 22 study is a crucial step towards a safer, more efficient highway. By addressing congestion, safety, and infrastructure upgrades, the Lehigh Valley can ensure Route 22 serves its community effectively for years to come. The proposed projects are a testament to the commitment to improving this vital transportation artery.
In my opinion, the focus on local trip management and safety improvements is crucial. The Lehigh Valley needs a sustainable solution that considers the unique challenges of Route 22. The proposed projects are a good start, but ongoing monitoring and adaptation will be essential to ensure the highway's long-term success.
