Lower Macungie and Upper Macungie townships hope a traffic study recently completed will alleviate and solve in- creased traffic in both communities.

The results of the recent traffic study completed by Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc. was presented at a special meeting Jan. 8 at Independent Community Center in Upper Macungie.

According to Engineer Scott Pasterski of Keystone Consulting Engineers, the study aims to address ongoing traffic congestion. "It's [traffic] a tense situation," he said.

The study presents a five-year and 20-year plan.

"The model itself has evolved over the past two years," Lower Macungie Engineer Bill Erdman said.

The study recommends grade separated interchanges at key signalized locations on the Route 222 corridors, an additional access point to Interstate 78 west of Route 100, additional interchange modifications at Interstate 78 and Route 222 and improvements at adjacent intersections.

"By definition you solve the weaving issue," Pasterski said. "You move traffic and you eliminate weave."

Scott Stenross, engineer with Keystone Consulting Engineers, said the study specifically concentrates on Route 222 traffic congestion.

"We need to look at this whole interchange [Route 222]," he said. "We need to see what can be done to facilitate better traffic flow."

Upper Macungie Engineer Dean Haas said the study is warranted.

"There will always be a need for traffic solutions," he said.

A Lehigh Valley transportation study meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26 at which time municipalities will be provided five minutes each to present and seek funding for specific projects. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation representatives will be present at the meeting.

Stenross asked both townships review their plans and projects before the meeting.

"We need to work together. We need to plan together," Stenross said.

Tractor trailer traffic passing through Tilghman Street near Mill Road and traffic on Hamilton Boulevard and the Route 222 bypass area just south of Interstate 78 have been major areas of concern for both townships.