Frequently Asked Questions -
PA Route 309 Widening Project

Q. What is the PA Route 309 Coopersburg Widening project?
A. PennDOT will be reworking the Coopersburg section of Route 309 as a safety-improvement project.  A new, fifth lane will be added in the middle to take left turn movements out of the four travel lanes.  Additional improvements include limiting the available left turns and coordinating the traffic signals to improve traffic flow along Route 309.

Q. When will the construction begin?
A. The most recent estimate from PennDOT is to start construction around September 2008.  This date is subject to change.

Q. How long will be project last?
A. The most recent estimate from PennDOT is that the project will last two construction seasons, or approximately 2 years.  This estimate is subject to change.

Q. Will Route 309 be closed during construction?
A. The highway will not be closed, though lanes will be restricted.

Q. Will traffic be detoured off of Route 309 during construction?
A. Traffic will not be detoured off of Route 309.

Q. Will there be new traffic restrictions along Main Street during construction?
A. PennDOT does not anticipate adding additional restrictions along Main Street, which is a state road.

Q. How will traffic be affected during construction?
A. Traffic on Route 309 will be restricted to one lane in each direction.

During the first phase of construction, the two existing southbound lanes will be closed.  The two existing northbound lanes will be split -- one lane will carry northbound traffic and the other lane will carry southbound traffic.

During the second phase of construction, the two existing northbound lanes will be closed.  The new southbound lanes will be split -- one lane will carry southbound traffic and the other lane will carry northbound traffic.

Q. Will traffic on Route 309 be restricted to one lane in each direction during the winter months between phase one and phase two?
A. PennDOT is not sure, at this time.

Q. Will any construction be done at night?  I'm worried about those bright construction lights.
A. Due to the proximity of residential housing, there will be no night construction.

Q. May I see the details of the plan?
A. PennDOT has provided a very large plan (~10 feet wide) showing the existing highway and the planned modifications.  This is available for public viewing in Borough Council Chambers in Borough Hall during regular office hours and during Borough Council meetings.  There is also a small scale preliminary plan that is available for public viewing.

Q. How will traffic be affected after the project is completed?
A. Traffic making left-hand turns off of Route 309 will have a new, dedicated left-hand turn lane, allowing two unblocked lanes of traffic in each direction.  The traffic signals will be timed and coordinated with other regional traffic signals along Route 309.  These changes should improve safety and traffic flow along Route 309 through Coopersburg.

Q. What if I have a question not being addressed here?
A. Please contact Borough Hall or the webmaster for additional information.