$5M Project In The Works To Fix Traffic Choke Point In Northampton Twp.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Plans are in the works to eliminate a well known traffic choke point in the township.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is moving forward with a $5 million project to replace the problematic intersection of Almshouse and Jacksonville roads with a single lane roundabout.

To accommodate the project, the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors voted to grant the state transportation agency a right-of-way and temporary construction easement for property the township owns at the intersection.

According to a project summary posted on the township's website, the project will include the construction of a single-lane roundabout to improve traffic flow and eliminate the current backup conditions at the intersection.

The existing traffic signal will be removed as part of the project, which also includes stormwater improvements to reduce the potential for flooding at the intersection.

The township originally submitted concept plans to the Bucks County Planning Commission for the project. It was subsequently included in the state Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), making it eligible for state funding.

Engineering design is currently underway with a bid expected to be awarded for the project in August 2025. The estimated construction cost is $5 million, with a grant funding $4.97 million and the township contributing $35,000 to develop the concept plans for the project.

"This is a great thing. I travel this intersection all the time. It backs up all the time," said Supervisor Barry Moore. "Putting a roundabout in there is going to make it significantly better. And what's nice about this is it's going to be funded by the state and it's going to be a huge traffic improvement for that area. It will be a little bit of pain for some gain."

"I think Barry's right, but it's going to be a long year," added Supervisor Robert Salzer. "This is going to impact me personally. I travel this intersection day in and day out. I'm dreading it."

Project construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2026.