In an open commentary phase, PennDOT has unveiled potential strategies for enhancing several junctions along East Berlin Road in Reading Township.
The plans, which focus separately on the intersections of
East Berlin Road and Stoney Point Road
and then
East Berlin Road and Peepytown Road
Each one has several potential enhancements outlined.
At the crossing point of East Berlin Road and Stoney Point Road, there are three potential options available, with costs ranging from approximately $9.9 million to $13.8 million.
Option 1: Build a traffic circle at the current crossing point.
For the initial alternate option for Stoney Point Road, the plan involves installing a roundabout at the current position of the junction.
Because of the necessary shift in alignment as proposed, the designs indicate that at minimum one house located south of the intersection might have to be demolished to accommodate this particular plan.
This proposal shows limited improvements to the Kimberly Lane intersection.
Alternative 2: Construct a split intersection with roundabouts east and west of the existing intersection and realign Stoney Point Road.
Among the more intricate suggestions, option two has been labeled the “Double Roundabout” plan.
The proposed plan involves dividing Stoney Point Road both prior to and following the current junction point. The southbound entrance will end in a roundabout at East Berlin Road, whereas the northbound entryway will culminate in a roundabout shared between Kimberly Lane and East Berlin Road.
The rotary has been moved further west into a wooded section among residences to prevent the effects observed in Alternative 1 regarding house disturbances.
Narrow streets terminating in dead ends would offer entry to the current residences alongside Stoney Point Road.
Option 3: Build a traffic circle to the west of the current junction and shift Stoney Point Road further westward.
For the third option at the Stoney Point Road intersection, PennDOT suggests shifting the intersection to the west, alongside enhancements to the Kimberly Lane intersection.
Narrow streets ending in dead ends would keep entry to houses that were originally supposed to be situated along Stoney Point Road.
The alternate option is referred to as the “Westward Realignment” choice, since it involves shifting the route to the western side, much like what was proposed in Alternative 2.
By shifting the roundabout to the western side, this plan would minimize disruption to nearby residences, positioning it among the current tree area instead of necessitating the removal of a house like in the initial option.
At the crossing of East Berlin Road and Peepytown Road, there are four potential options available, with estimated costs varying between approximately $1.4 million and $4.7 million dollars.
Option 1: Build a traffic circle at the current crossing point.
Among the initial four options for improving the Peepytown Road junction, one involves constructing a roundabout at the current crossing point.
By implementing this change, the route leading from Peepytown Road to the south will be redirected toward the eastern side to create a more direct path. Additionally, a new driveway will connect with an adjacent existing driveway in the vicinity.
Alternative 2: Construct a roundabout west of the existing intersection and realign Peepytown Road.
The second proposal for the Peepytown Road intersection would see a “shifted roundabout,” which would move all approaches to the intersection southwest of where they currently meet.
By contrast, this alternate option seems to have less of an effect on nearby residential areas when constructing a roundabout compared to the initial proposal.
Option 3: Shift the current junction westward, introduce a dedicated right-turn lane for Route 234, and reroute Peepytown Road.
For a slightly milder modification at the intersection, the third option would keep the single stop sign for vehicles coming from Peepytown Road, but shift the entire junction to the west side to enhance visibility.
Option 4: Introduce a right-turn lane for Route 234 at the current intersection and improve visibility distances.
In the most minor proposed revision of the intersection, Alternative 4 simply suggests adding a right-turn lane to East Berlin Road for traffic turning onto Peepytown Road.
According to PennDot, both proposals are presently undergoing an “alternative analysis phase.” The construction is slated to start in 2027 and finish by 2029.
A public event is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Reading Township Community Center located on South Firehouse Alley in Hampton.
The online presentation of the plans along with the public commentary period will be available from May 1 through May 30, 2025. According to PennDot, individuals are invited to share their queries or issues during this feedback window.
This article was initially published on Hanover Evening Sun.
Double roundabouts? PennDOT unveils plans for East Berlin Road enhancements near Hampton
