Roundabouts and the Impact of Modern Intersection Reconstructions
Thoughtful roadway design has the power to influence driver behavior far more effectively than speed enforcement alone. A comprehensive review of nearly 20 years of Pennsylvania crash data through 2024 revealed that roundabouts significantly improve safety outcomes, reducing injury crashes by 51 percent and lowering total crashes overall.
Any infrastructure that dramatically reduces the severity of collisions on the road is worth the investment in improving traffic flow. Since 2005, 104 roundabouts have been built to improve traffic flow and/or decrease crash severity, and more than 30 additional roundabouts are in various stages of design and construction across Pennsylvania within the coming years.
As the owner’s representative in the field, JBC Associates (JBC) provides Construction Inspection services to monitor projects that are built to exact specifications. We verify work is completed in accordance with PennDOT quality, safety, and design standards.
The following projects highlight how JBC’s inspectors are actively helping reshape Pennsylvania’s most complex and high-risk corridors.
Systemic Safety Realization:
SR 4063, Section BU1, Bucks County, PennDOT District 6
Located on the border of Milford and Richland Townships in Bucks County sat the intersection of Portzer Road and Old Bethlehem Pike, notorious for severe angle (“T-bone”) and left-turn crashes. Recognizing the need for a long-term safety solution, PennDOT launched a systemic safety improvement project to transform the traditional intersection into a modern single-lane roundabout. The project is part of a larger unified multi-municipal regional traffic strategy to calm traffic patterns as the Quakertown area continues to grow. Under an Open-End Construction Inspection Agreement with the District, JBC provided inspection services for the project, entailing the following key elements:
- Conversion of the existing intersection into a single-lane roundabout.
- The new configuration features widened approaches transitioning into an 18-foot circulatory roadway.
- A dedicated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the eastern side and an 8-foot-wide asphalt multi-use trail on the west side creates a safe segregated path for vulnerable road users.
To expedite construction and enhance public safety, the intersection underwent a highly restrictive 24/7 closure. Throughout this period, JBC inspectors monitored traffic control measures and detour operations across multiple townships to help ensure safe and effective traffic management for the traveling public. They also oversaw strict environmental compliance regarding adjacent protected wetlands and the Unami Creek watershed.
Construction began in November 2022, and the intersection fully reopened to traffic on November 22, 2023, immediately motorists began experiencing the benefits of improved traffic flow and reduced delays.
Large-Scale Corridor Reconstruction:
U.S. Route 222, Section 22S, Berks County, PennDOT District 5
As freight traffic continued to grow along the busy SR 222 corridor in Berks County, the need for a comprehensive corridor improvement program was critical. JBC was selected by PennDOT District 5 as the Prime Construction Inspection Consultant to provide daily oversight during a full reconstruction and widening of the 2-mile U.S. Route 222 corridor from a standard two-lane highway into a 4- to 5-lane divided corridor to safely separate high-speed freight traffic from local movements.
The project began construction in September 2019. One of the most impactful safety elements was the introduction of two (2) modern roundabouts at hazardous intersections – the signalized intersection at SR 222 and Genesis Drive and the non-signalized intersection of SR 222 and Schaeffer Road. The project included roadway widening, signal modernization, stormwater improvements and a full replacement of the culvert bridge over Willow Creek.
JBC inspectors monitored construction activities and coordinated with contractors throughout each phase to ensure the roundabouts were constructed safely while maintaining traffic flow along this heavily traveled corridor.
Intersection Transformations: The roundabouts represented more than a simple intersection upgrade, these improvements significantly enhanced safety for both local motorists and the growing volume of commercial traffic traveling through the area while improving traffic flow along the corridor.
Stormwater Resilience: Expansive stormwater management facilities and drainage basins constructed throughout the project limits help to secure long-term infrastructure resilience.
The successful delivery of the new roundabouts in November 2022 remains one of the project’s most visible and lasting contributions to roadway safety in Berks County. The roundabouts stand as an example of how strategic infrastructure investments can transform high-risk intersections into safer, more efficient roadways.
Corridor-Wide Safety Overhaul:
U.S. Route 222, Section 01S, Lehigh County, PennDOT District 5
In Upper Macungie Township (extending slightly into Berks County), U.S. Route 222 (Hamilton Boulevard) represents a booming logistics corridor carrying over 24,000 vehicles per day. Prior to reconstruction of SR 222 Section 01S, this severely skewed, high-crash junction with Schantz Road suffered from intense angle and left-turn impacts due to heavy commercial freight truck volumes. JBC Associates was part of the inspection team providing critical construction inspection services for this significant $14.1 million corridor safety overhaul.
The JBC inspection team managed a complex, multi-phase 24-month timeline to deliver a multi-lane hybrid roundabout designed to reduce fatal accidents by 90% and injury crashes by 76% along the corridor.
The project included widening a 1-mile stretch of U.S. Route 222 into a 4-lane divided configuration, ensuring the correct implementation of dedicated turn lane accommodations to prevent dangerous peak-hour rear-end queuing.
Eliminating High-Risk Conflict Points: The project eliminated high-risk conflict points by completely vacating a dangerous diagonal section of Schantz Road, capping it with a new cul-de-sac (Old Schantz Road), and routing local drivers safely through the new roundabout system.
Bridge Infrastructure Replacement: JBC inspectors provided full-time oversight during the total replacement of the nearby Schaeffer Run Bridge, confirming the work was performed to the designed plans and specifications.
In November 2022, the main circle was paved and the roundabout opened to traffic. This safety milestone immediately removed the dangerous 3-way layout while JBC inspectors spent the remainder of 2023 overseeing final bridge work through project completion in November 2024.
Targeted Intersection Protection:
U.S. Route 222 & Long Lane Roundabout, Berks County, PennDOT District 5
Following recent roundabout success, just a few miles away in Berks County, is another roadway safety initiative at the intersection of SR 222 and Long Lane undertaken by PennDOT to improve safety and efficiency at high-risk intersections.
JBC is currently providing construction inspection services on this $9 million improvement project replacing the existing, historically vulnerable signalized intersection at Route 222 and Long Lane with a modern roundabout. The roundabout is designed to significantly optimize mobility and accident reduction.
Comprehensive Site Upgrades: Daily oversight by JBC’s inspection team is heavily focused on utility coordination as inspectors are overseeing comprehensive site upgrades – vital drainage improvements, roadway repairs, and construction of the roundabout footprint.
Utility & Business Continuity: For safety and utility continuity purposes, multiple utility lines are being systematically relocated. The team is actively managing construction phasing to interface smoothly with existing corridor businesses and the proposed Wawa convenience store development located on the northeast quadrant.
High-Volume Interchange Modernization:
I-80 Section BO1 (Exit 308) Realignment, Monroe County, PennDOT District 5
Managing infrastructure upgrades becomes exponentially more complex when dealing with high-volume interstate freight corridors. JBC Associates is providing Construction Inspection services under the direction of the Prime Consultant and the Department’s Inspector-in-Charge for the reconstruction and realignment of the Prospect Street (SR 2017) interchange at Exit 308 along Interstate 80 in East Stroudsburg Borough. The project presents a massive logistical challenge, carrying a daily traffic volume of over 80,000 vehicles—22% of which are heavy trucks.
This extensive realignment project addresses modern capacity and safety needs through a multi-faceted infrastructure overhaul, highlighted by the integration of two (2) new roundabouts designed to optimize traffic flow.
Dual Roundabout Integration: One roundabout is being constructed at the I-80 and Prospect Street interchange, while a second roundabout is being built on the east side of I-80 at Greentree Drive.
Interchange & Ramp Realignment: The project also includes the reconstruction and realignment of interchange ramps to enhance merging operations.
Critical Bridge Infrastructure: The replacement of the Prospect Street bridge over I-80, and the replacement and widening of the I-80 bridges over Lincoln Avenue and an active railroad line to accommodate future corridor improvements. Additionally, the project widens Prospect Street with new turning lanes and signalization.
A Proven Partner in Evolving Infrastructure
For 38 years, JBC Associates has provided construction inspection services on some of Pennsylvania’s most significant roadway modernization projects from single-lane rural intersections to complex interstate interchanges. Our experience includes roundabout installations, corridor widening, bridge replacements, interchange realignments, and major reconstruction efforts.
We are proud to contribute to infrastructure improvements that enhance traffic flow, increase safety, and support the long-term mobility needs of communities across the region. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to public service, JBC helps deliver transportation solutions that provide lasting value for travelers and local communities alike.
→ August 18, 2026
