Senator Browne Announces Funding For Route 309 Project in North Whitehall Township

MONEY ALLOWS VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT TO CONTINUE

State Senator Pat Browne, R-16th District, announced today (Friday, February 1, 2008) that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has allocated $2 million for the Route 309 project.

Browne, who was joined by state Rep. Carl Mantz, R-187th, presented the $2 million check to North Whitehall Township supervisor Ron Stahley at the Schnecksville Fire Company, which is along the Route 309 project.

The Route 309 project is for safety and capacity improvements and consists of widening the road to four and even five lanes at some spots, intersection improvements, addition of turning lanes and new and improved traffic signals.

"The money will help North Whitehall Township make improvements to Route 309 that will alleviate the congestion that builds on the road throughout the day. At the same time, it will improve a dangerous intersection that is in need of a traffic signal," Senator Browne said. "I am pleased to be able to present this check today. Route 309 is one of the busiest corridors through Lehigh County and helping to keep traffic flowing smoothly on it is a necessity."

There quickly became a need for additional funding for the Route 309 project when the township was informed that the bids came in $4 million over the estimated costs of the project.

Senator Browne helped secure half of the additional amount needed, while North Whitehall Township was able to obtain the other half.

"On behalf of North Whitehall Township, our citizens and the motorists using this regional artery, I want to thank Senator Browne and Representative Mantz for their efforts as well as the efforts of our other leaders at the federal, state and county levels for making this happen," Stahley said.

North Whitehall Township has been working on the Route 309 project since 1999 and has finally seen the project launched last November when the project received its notice to proceed.

"PennDOT's additional funding contribution makes it possible to finally move ahead," Stahley said. "We look forward to the safety, additional capacity and access improvements this project will provide."

Route 309 runs through the northwestern area of Senator Browne's district and through the northern region of Rep. Mantz's district.

"There is no question that Route 309 is one of the most congested roadways in our area," Representative Mantz said. "This funding will go a long way toward helping to make people's commutes less frustrating, more efficient and most importantly, safer."

The work on Route 309 extends from the southern end of Daisy Avenue (just below Shankweiler Road) to the northern end approximately 1,000 yards past the Schnecksville Fire Company. The expected completion date of the project is December 2008.

The project will include two new traffic signals, (at Route 309 and Shankweiler Road and at Route 309 and Pennsylvania Drive), an Emergency signal at Route 309 and Old Packhouse Road for the Schnecksville Fire Company and an improved signal at Route 309 and Levans Road.

"Maintaining and improving the infrastructure of our roads is vital to safe and quick travel for Lehigh Valley motorists and those throughout the state," Senator Browne. "That is why it is imperative that North Whitehall Township receives this money so it can complete this project."

For more information, contact Senator Browne's Allentown District Office.

CONTACT:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468 – Senator Browne's office