September 2003

The study team has completed data collection and assessment of potential projects to improve travel along the 15.5 - mile corridor between Reading and Allentown.  Conceptual alternatives for  long-term improvements were presented at an Open House on April 15, 2003, at Fleetwood High School.

The study's conceptual alternatives are contained in a Comprehensive Transporation Needs Analysis document that has been delivered to the county planning agency.

Prior to completing the Summary, the study team conducted:

• Analysis of the Origin-Destination Study: Engineers collected and analyzed data collected during the survey last fall to determine travel patterns along the US 222 Corridor.
• Analysis of current traffic volumes and turning movements: The team conducted traffic counts and truck percentages, plus traffic movements at key locations and intersections.
• Analysis of intersection efficiency: Traffic volumes, along with turning movements, were run through computer models to determine the efficiency of existing intersection configurations. Existing volumes were multiplied by expected regional growth factors to predict future use of the corridor. Intersections that fail to move traffic at sufficient rates can then be targeted for improvement.
• Evaluate accident history: The corridor's accident history has been analyzed to help determine contributing factors that may be able to be eliminated by engineering solutions.
• Assemble environmental profile: Environmental scientists have identified the corridor's specific natural, historical and archaeological resources. An abundance of farmland exists along the corridor, as do a number of historic properties and water resources. The potential impacts on all will have to be considered before feasible alternative improvements to the corridor can be proposed.