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NW1/309
Project Report Update - Route
309 is a major arterial route serving local and regional traffic
through North Whitehall Township. Increased safety and
capacity improvements are part of the project's design. Old
Packhouse Road provides access to the KidsPeace Orchard Campus,
the Lehigh County Composting Facility, and alternate access
to Lehigh County Community College. Cars, school buses
and large, heavy-duty trucks previously traveled a narrow,
winding road with steep grades. The relocation of Old
Packhouse Road will provide safer access to an anticipated
expansion of the KidsPeace Orchard Campus as well as to the
above-mentioned facilities.
At press
time the project has been well under way for several months.
The Township appreciates the patience and cooperation of our
residents and motorists traveling the area. Unfortunately,
delays are necessary to be able to make the required safety
and capacity improvements to the affected roadways. Traffic
has been detoured from Old Packhouse Road to Orchard Road
to allow for the setting of a box culvert carrying an unnamed
tributary to the Jordan Creek under the fill slope that will
be placed over the summer.
Improvements
include installation/modification of traffic signals at the
following Route 309 intersections:
- Existing Old Packhouse Road/Fire Company access road (for
Fire Co. emergency egress only).
- Pennsylvania Avenue / Old Packhouse Road realignment.
- The traffic signals installed in 2001 at Levans Road will
be modified to accommodate construction of
additional lanes.
- Shankweiler Road
The improvements will allow for safer
turning movements and improve convenience for residents traveling
the corridor.
At present, project completion is anticipated
in July of 2009. However, the contractor is working diligently
to provide a paved surface base coat on all the affected roadways
prior to the onset of the winter season.
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