Lehigh Times

HARRISBURG – Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) and Rep. Zach Mako (R-183) announced today a nearly $2.1 million state grant will be used to remove traffic signals and install a roundabout on an accident-prone section of state Route 309 near a proposed business park.

“This intersection has been a decades-long concern,” Coleman said. “Using state dollars to construct a roundabout and make pedestrian-friendly enhancements will improve overall safety and traffic flow. I’m optimistic that these changes will positively impact the residents and resolve a long-standing issue in the community.”

The grant will be used to remove traffic signals along state Route 873 at its intersections with state Route 309 and Schneck Road.

The new roundabout aims to improve motorist safety along the accident-riddled stretch of road while promoting smooth traffic flow for motorists entering and exiting the proposed business park. The development is planned on more than 11 acres of land around the state Route 309 and state Route 873 intersection in North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County.

The intersection has been a growing safety concern as motor vehicle incidents have escalated over the past 30 years. The roundabout is expected to decrease opportunities for head-on collisions and side-impact crashes, reducing the severity of accidents when they occur.

The project also includes plans for safe pedestrian connections and sidewalks.

“I frequently hear from constituents about their concerns related to traffic in the district,” Mako said. “This intersection is among the top of the list. These changes will improve traffic flow, promote safety, and support the growth that has taken place in the area.”

The grant was awarded through the state Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports, and rail freight entities.

“King’s Business Park Schnecksville is delighted to have received its full request for grants from the PennDOT Multimodal Fund as well as the Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Fund for the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Route 309 and Schneck Road,” said Jerry Blecker, vice president at King’s Real Estate and Development Company. “We are most appreciative of all the tremendous support and effort we have received from local and state governmental organizations, Sen. Jarrett Coleman and state Rep. Zach Mako, as well as our engineering team, Barry Isett & Associates, which was required to move this proposed new development forward to become a shovel-ready project. We also appreciate the support we received from the community. We are anxious to get started within three months as we feel new businesses as well as the new roundabout will be a great benefit to the area.”

Residents who want to learn more about Coleman can visit his website at SenatorColeman.com or follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorJarrettColeman.

CONTACT (Coleman): Robert Arena

484-861-4964

CONTACT (Mako): Tracy Polovick

717-260-6358