The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be modifying Bethlehem Pike in Springfield Township from Stenton Avenue to Sunnybrook Road in Whitemarsh Township as part of its Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The project will improve the safety and navigation of Bethlehem Pike, including:
- Converting Bethlehem Pike from a four-lane roadway to a three-lane roadway with a two-way center left turn lane
- Modifying traffic signal phasing and timing
- Upgrading traffic signal equipment to improve pedestrian safety and vehicular visibility
The improvements proposed for Bethlehem Pike are also referred to as a road diet. A "road diet" is a strategy for calming and improving roadway safety, while minimally affecting roadway operation. Numerous studies have tested the effects of a road diet, finding that while road diets typically slow down vehicle speeds, they often have little or no effect on level of service when the average daily traffic (ADT) is 20,000 vehicles per day or lower (though road diets can work on roadways with over 20,000 ADT).Â
Questions about this project can be directed to PennDOT at 610-275-2368. This project is expected to begin in late spring/summer 2023.
