Rush hour traffic often backs up approaching the intersection of Easton Avenue and Willow Park Road in Bethlehem Township. The intersection is flood-prone, and in January 2010 was the scene of a triple-fatal accident that resulted in a lawsuit that led to a $12.7 million settlement for families of the victims.
If you regularly travel Easton Avenue in Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township, be aware that a major improvement project that will involve upgrades to five intersections is about to begin.
In a news release Friday, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 5 announced that work is scheduled to begin Monday on the $2,417,553 project along and near the city-township line.
The project includes traffic signal upgrades and the installation of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps at the following intersections:
• Easton Avenue at East Boulevard
• Easton Avenue at Stefko Boulevard
• Easton Avenue at the Giant Shopping Center
• Easton Avenue at the Aldi Shopping Center
• Easton Avenue at Willow Park Road
The project also includes the addition of a turning lane at the intersection of Willow Park Road and Easton Avenue.
Beginning on Monday, motorists should expect to see weekday lane restrictions between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. between Stefko Boulevard and Santee Road, PennDOT said.
Updates are to be provided whenever traffic pattern schedules change.
J. D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, Pa., is the general contractor for the project, which PennDOT said is expected to be completed in October of this year.
The Easton Avenue corridor in that area has an average daily traffic volume that ranges between 8,421 and 16,595 vehicles, according to the news release.
For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89) or those on PennDOT’s 4- and 12-Year plans, visit Projects.Penndot.gov.
For regional PennDOT information follow the agency on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown
