Traffic Impact
How does an increase in traffic, particularly truck traffic impact our township's roadways & homes?
Daily an estimate of 1900 trucks will enter or exit the proposed Duke facility using our local roadways. The main distribution line of travel will depend upon Rt 222, State Rt 737 and I78. Locals know about “deadman’s curve”.
Additionally, exiting 737 to the warehouse campus will then involve truck travel through Kutztown itself in order to access the 222 bypass, or perhaps north on to Main St. These roads were not designed for increased levels of physically heavy traffic. And, let’s not forget about the Mennonite community using their horse-drawn buggies and bicycles to commute in and out of town.
Other lines of travel impacted will be I-78 to Rt 222 via Rt 863 to Old 22 to New Smithville Rd to Long Lane. When trucks travel this route (because it looks easy and shorter on GPS) when they are coming/ going from points North or East…they will inevitably get stuck at Long Lane/Eagle Point Rd or risk rolling into the Mill Creek in between Old 22 and Long Lane due to the road degradation which will escalate once more trucks take that route. Local residents and school buses will be impacted by stranded trucks and traffic snarls because this is the only way in/out of that area.
At present, Long Lane to the North is largely unusable right now due to the overpass under construction, just below Old 22 in “Grimsville." It will open again in a few months after being closed for two years; this will create unusually dangerous traffic nightmares on that road due to illegal wayward truck traffic and cars traveling at high speeds.
In addition to the impact of the anticipated increase in traffic (both in size and volume), our township only has a volunteer emergency department to support traffic accidents; and no local police force to address traffic accidents or direct traffic when there is a pile-up. Will we be able to depend upon State Police to assist on a daily basis as incidents happen? Already the 222 corridor between Schantz Rd and West Kutztown is fraught with accidents.
Increased truck traffic generated from distribution warehouses in our region has even made national news! Check out this recent news story from CBS Sunday Morning.
Below are news stories about some of the recent traffic accidents that have taken place in our area, particularly along 222. The frequency and severity are alarming. Imagine how this will increase should a large commercial warehouse be established?
Another home hit by vehicle along 222 in Maxtawny Twp
222 Closed due to Accident in Maxatawny Twp
House demolished after 222 Accident in Maxatawny Twp
Tractor Trailer hits home along Rt. 222 in Maxatawny
Trapped inside Rt 222 house hit by truck
Deadly accident on I-78 backs up traffic on nearby Rt 222
Fatal Crash on Rt 222 near Kutztown
Horse and Buggy Accident Rt 222 Maxtawny Twp
RESCHEDULED Zoning Hearing FOR MOTUS EQUITIES, LLC TO 7/25/2
It was announced at the ZHB that Motus Equities, LLC has asked for an extension.. Motus is seeking variances and other relief that is reasonably necessary to construct (2) quick serve restaurants at the properties located at the intersection of Ivy League Drive and Kutztown Road East and West. Possibly including drive thru service. Motus cancelled their hearing for 5/31/22 at the last minute and rescheduled for 7/25/22. Since a notice was put out for the original hearing, the Township does not have to post a notice for this new hearing date. Please spread the word.