PennDOT reveals plans to fix dangerous Route 309 intersection

PennDOT wants your thoughts on a proposed interchange between Route 309, Center Valley Parkway and West Saucon Valley Road in Upper Saucon Township.

The proposal would change the intersection, which relies on traffic lights, into a grade-separated interchange. Bridges would carry four lanes of Route 309 over the road, and motorists would connect with Center Valley Parkway and West Saucon Valley Road via on- and off-ramps.

PennDOT has a website with an overview of the project, including a questionnaire for the public, that is available until Aug. 5.

The intersection has had more than 100 crashes in the past five years as traffic volumes have increased. About 44,000 vehicles travel on that stretch of Route 309 daily, according to PennDOT statistics.

Also included in the project, which is just south of Route 309’s split with Interstate 78, are the construction of signalized on- and off-ramp intersections, guide rail upgrades, drainage improvements, highway lighting, overhead signing and pavement marking upgrades.

Construction would begin in late 2026 with expected completion in 2030. Two lanes of traffic in each direction would be maintained on Route 309 throughout construction.

The interchange project has been on the Lehigh Valley’s Long-Range Transportation Plan for years. The projected cost is $70.1 million.

You can watch a video animation of what the new interchange will look like below: