Looking ahead to long-term PennDOT transportation improvements, South Whitehall representatives want to become involved during the planning stages while there is still an opportunity to offer comments.

At the June 18 commissioners' meeting, Director of Administration Howard Kutzler explained the township's role in future road endeavors.

"We want to start advocating for the projects to be included on the long range Transportation Improvement Program," Kutzler said, adding with PennDOT planning far in advance of construction, the township should become involved before the design has already been prepared.

He, along with other township staff, received authorization from commissioners to attend Lehigh Valley Planning Commission meetings relating to TIP.

Bill McNair, of the township planning commission, reported expansion of Route 22 to 15th Street, reconstruction of the Route 309 and Tilghman Street intersection, and enhancements of Route 309 from South Whitehall to North Whitehall are PennDOT projects impacting the township.

Kuntzler said Route 22 widened to six lanes could dump a great deal of traffic into the area around 15th Street in the township.

McNair added PennDOT improvements will have an effect on intersections in the area.

"We want to have some input on the design," McNair said.

He said the township was too late to request provisions for a left turn when PennDOT rebuilt the Ridgeview and Walbert Avenue intersection several years ago.

Moving on to another transportation matter, Kutzler reported staff want evaluate traffic signal operations and timing at various intersections in the township.

He proposed a plan to talk with public works personnel, police, business owners and residents to identify intersections of highest priority for signal improvements.

Township Engineer J. Ralph Russek Jr. commented on the proposal.

"We'll take traffic counts and make note of delays," Russek said.

Kutzler said the need was regional, not just for the township. He then cited Cedar Crest Boulevard as an example.

He and township staff will develop a program for signal evaluations to be considered for inclusion in the 2015 budget.