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
We continue to make progress in working with our legal counsel on an appeal regarding the proposed warehouse project at 222 and Hottenstein Road. We are awaiting the schedule to be handed down from the Commonwealth Court and we will notify you when it is received. The next steps could take months and a final decission could still be a long way off.
In the meantime, additional warehouse projects are being proposed throughout the township and greater Berks and Lehigh Counties. We are already feeling the negative impacts of these projects here in Maxatawny Twp. One example is evidenced by the extremely long traffic delays on Long Lane to US 222 North or South due to timing of the traffic light and the new Rutters Truck Stop. The Township has received many complaints and will need to request that PennDot adjust the timing of the light to allow for the increased truck traffic through the intersection. Lack of proper road signage on and around the Rutters property is enabling an increase in illegal truck traffic on restricted Long Lane Road.
And also planned for this same intersection is a rotary. Back in May of 2022, PennDot put on display a map for its proposoal for a rotary. We believe it is not equipped to handle the volume of truck traffic.
Visit our NEWS page for article about warehouse and traffic issues facing fellow Pennsylvanians state-wide!
Traffic issues will only worsen unless we work with our local legislators to take action. There are two immediate ways that you can help:
1. Please write to Rep Gary Day <Gday@pahousegop.com> and Sen Judy Schwank <SenatorSchwank@pasenate.com> and ask them to provide their opinion and guidance on how to alert the public of this issue. Specifically for Maxatawny as well as all of Pennsylvania . Within the letter, ask for their support in avoiding further warehouse development. Finally, please request in your letter a meeting with our coalition to discuss these issues in greater detail.
2. Second, please go to the Penndot website and on the homepage you will find a spot labeled "submit concern". Please complete the form and make them aware of the traffic concerns at this intersection so that your complaint gets documented. It makes it official. Super easy and very helpful! You use this process to report any traffic concerns. Some issues can be remedied immediately while others will take longer to resolve.
Thank you for your continued help and support and for all that you are doing to join us in this effort.