The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invites the public to a display regarding the Route 309 Roadway Betterment project in North and South Whitehall townships.

The project is to address safety concerns, improve the signalized intersections and provide continued safe and efficient access on Route 309 through Lehigh County.

A public plan display will be presented 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at the South Whitehall Township Municipal Building, 4444 Walbert Ave.

The display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding questions or concerns with the project, and the public may review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon cultural resources.

Project work extends from Walbert Avenue to Shankweiler Road, along Route 309, and includes new traffic signals and improvements at the following six intersections: Walbert Avenue, Chapman’s/Pope Road, Huckleberry Road, Lime Kiln Road, Orefield/Kernsville Road and Shankweiler Road.

The tributary to Jordan Creek culvert will be widened to improve sight distance between Snow Drift and Huckleberry roads and provide additional width for turn lanes at the Huckleberry Road intersection.

Widening and improvements will provide 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders.

Turning lanes, drainage, guide rail, signing and paint upgrades will also be added.

The roadway will be under construction for approximately two years, however, traffic will be maintained during construction.

Three detours will be used for the project, one for Church Road (0.7 mile detour, 4- to 6-week duration), another for Orefield Road (2.7 mile detour, 6- to 8-week duration) and the third detour will be Route 309 for work on the bridge over the Jordan Creek (6.4 mile detour, one weekend duration).

Access to driveways and businesses within the project limits will be maintained at all times during construction.

Work is expected to begin during the later part of the 2024 construction season and finish during the 2026 construction season.

Information and an interactive comment form, can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 5 Public Meetings, SR 0309 Roadway Betterment Project Page.