By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invited the public to view a display of the Route 309 Roadway Betterment project Aug. 8 in the South Whitehall Municipal Building.

The project, located in North and South Whitehall townships, is to address safety concerns, improve the signalized intersections and provide continued safe and efficient access on Route 309.

There will be milling and overlaying of the existing roadway, some widening to improve turning lanes, particularly at the signalized intersections at Walbert Avenue, Chapmans, Huckleberry and Lime Kiln roads, and Orefield/Kernsville Road.

Realignment and reconstruction of Orefield Road is included to eliminate the offset intersection with Kernsville Road to improve traffic operations.

Other work includes sidewalks, American Disabilities Act ramps, bus loading pads, guide rail upgrades, drainage improvements, and sign and pavement marking upgrades.

The project will be constructed in stages.

One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on Route 309 during construction and three detours will be required.

Resurfacing of Jordan Creek Bridge will be completed during a single weekend detour.

The detour will be approximately 6.4 miles and use Walbert Avenue, Cedar Crest Boulevard and Orefield Road.

Construction of the realigned Orefield Road will be completed during a detour.

This detour is approximately 2.7 miles and will use Coffeetown and Shankweiler roads, and Route 309.

This detour is anticipated to be 6-8 weeks long.

A detour for Church Road will also be required.

This detour is approximately 0.7 miles long and will use Ridgeview Drive and Walbert Avenue.

This detour is anticipated to be 4-6 weeks long.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024 with an expected completion in 2026.