The intersection at Third and Grape streets in Whitehall could be getting a new look. It is one of the key routes to Whitehall Township's commercial hub, including the Lehigh Valley Mall, the Whitehall Mall and restaurants along Grape Street.

The township acquired a two-story real estate office on the corner. Trees were removed and the building on the property was demolished, leaving room for a possible expansion of the intersection.

According the Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., the township does not intend to pay for all the costs associated with the project, as it did when a residential structure in West Catasauqua was taken down to expand an intersection there.

Hozza said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has made no commitment to the widening of the Grape Street intersection at this time.

An improvement to the current traffic lanes would permit for more traffic ease and less congestion for vehicles.

"I plan to meet with PennDOT," Hozza said regarding the Grape Street project.

Although no firm date for such a meeting has been scheduled, the mayor said the conference will also have other traffic and road issues on the table.

The out-of-business gas station at the intersection has not been included in early planning for the project and there are no known plans to purchase any additional property for the road improvements.