The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced a project will begin Monday, September 9, to improve the intersections of US 222 & PA 73, US 222 & Genesis Drive, and US 222 & Schaeffer Road in Maiden Creek Township, Berks County.
The project includes replacing the signalized intersection of US 222/Genesis Drive with a modern roundabout, the additional of a roundabout at US 222/Schaeffer Road, and the widening of the US 222/PA 73 intersection with turn lanes and upgraded signalization.
Beginning on September 9 the contractor will be began initial project work that includes relocating utility lines and setting up work zone signs. During this initial work there may be times during the day when traffic patterns will be shifted (mainly between 9 AM and 3 PM). Updates will be provided when these are scheduled to occur. This initial work is estimated to take 1-3 months.
Once the utility lines are moved, major construction will commence with nighttime lane restrictions (9:30 PM to 6:30 AM). There may also be limited times when lanes will need to be restricted during the day. Updates will be provided whenever traffic patterns are scheduled to change.
Motorists should remain alert for changing traffic patterns when traveling through the area of these intersection until all work is complete.
J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Pa. is the general contractor on the $26,671,266 million project that is estimated to be completed November 2022.
The average daily traffic volume on US 222 through the project limits is 26,015 vehicles daily north of the PA 73 intersection and 22,563 vehicles daily south of the PA 73 intersection.
The main characteristics of a modern roundabout include: generally circular shape; yield signs at the entrances; geometry that forces slower speeds; and counterclockwise circulation of traffic. Also, unlike traffic signals, roundabouts do not depend on electricity to function, so they are not susceptible to power outages.
