New Traffic Pattern Takes Effect On Second Street Pike In Richboro

RICHBORO, PA — Motorists who use Second Street Pike in Northampton will not only notice a smoother drive following a milling and repaving project, but also a big change in traffic patterns.

Following the repaving of the road between Bustleton Pike and Almshouse Road (Route 332), Second Street Pike has been reduced from two lanes in both directions down to one lane with the addition of a center turning lane.

"If you have driven on 2nd Street Pike between Almshouse Road and Bustleton Pike recently, you may have noticed that the travel lanes have changed," posted the Northampton Township Police Department on Tuesday. "2nd Street Pike has one lane for each direction with a new center lane for turning and merging into traffic."

The change is receiving mixed reviews from motorists, according to the comments posted on the Northampton Township Police Department's Facebook page.

This shows the new traffic pattern along 2nd Street Pike looking north toward the McDonald's and Dunkin'. (Northampton Township Police Department)

One wrote, "I used 2nd Street Pike this morning and I think the new layout is an improvement. Previously, the absence of a turning lane caused significant issues when vehicles were turning into businesses. Drivers attempting to bypass turning vehicles often failed to check for oncoming
traffic, resulting in confusion and potential hazards."

Another added, "Best thing ever ... the flow is more uniform."

Others have their doubts.

"I'm avoiding that road like the plague now," wrote one.

Another wrote, "Going to be a mess merging. I see lots of accidents in the future because of it."

One motorist who experienced the traffic pattern change, asked, "Do people pay attention or obey the new traffic lane? Around 2 p.m., I was going home from Irish Horne ... I saw four cars zooming down the center lane from McDonald's entrance to the Almshouse and Second Street Pike intersection. That is going to create major accidents."