PennDOT begins intersection improvements in Middletown

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation this week began a $10.6 million project to ease traffic congestion and improve safety on Langhorne-Yardley Road at Bridgetown Pike and at Woodbourne Road in Middletown Township.

Under this contract, PennDOT’s contractor will construct a single-lane roundabout and realign the roadway; install upgraded traffic signals, stormwater management, ADA curb ramps, signage, and lighting; perform resurfacing operations; and improve mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

According to PennDOT, the traffic light at Langhorne-Yardley Road and Bridgetown Pike will be replaced by a single-lane roundabout, proposed to help decrease vehicle speeds while improving safety and traffic flow. Motorists will be directed to use a detour route once the roundabout construction begins.

Improvements at Woodbourne Road include realigning the northern leg of Woodbourne Road and constructing auxiliary turn lanes on all four approaches. In addition, the eastern leg of Woodbourne Road will be widened to allow for a left turn lane on Langhorne-Yardley Road approaching Erica Drive.

Other enhancements on Langhorne-Yardley Road at approaching both Bridgetown Pike and Woodbourne Road include minor vertical realignment to improve sight distance and widening of lanes and shoulders, PennDOT said.

In addition, there will be features designed to improve pedestrian and bicyclist mobility including Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), 5-foot-wide paved shoulders, new paved paths along Bridgetown Pike and Woodbourne Road to connect these intersections to the Core Creek Park driveways, and sidewalks on the south side of Langhorne-Yardley Road between Woodbourne and Briggs roads.

Now through late August, motorists can expect periodic lane closures on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in both directions of Langhorne-Yardley Road between Bridgetown Pike and Woodbourne Road for utility and clearing work.

James D. Morrissey Inc., of Philadelphia, is the general contractor on the project, which is financed with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.

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