SR12/73 Intersection Improvements

Larson Design Group (LDG) provided preliminary engineering, final design, and construction services for improvements to the intersection of SR 0012 (Pricetown Road) and SR 0073 (Blandon Road) in Ruscombmanor Township, Berks County, PA. The project was developed to address significant traffic congestion, long signal delays, and a high crash rate at this signalized four-leg intersection.

To improve traffic operations and safety, LDG designed auxiliary turn lanes, additional through lanes, and upgrades to the traffic signal system, including revised timing, phasing, and signal heads. These improvements were designed to accommodate projected traffic volumes of more than 25,000 vehicles per day. Roadway work included full-depth pavement replacement, shoulder widening, mill-and-overlay treatments, and nearly 2,000 linear feet of improvements along each approach. Curbing was added or adjusted to improve access and pedestrian safety.

Stormwater and drainage improvements featured new inlets, reinforced concrete pipes, and the construction of an infiltration basin with a riser structure, amended soil filter beds, and vegetated channels to meet water quality requirements. LDG also managed the relocation of utilities, driveway adjustments, and commercial access reconfigurations, as well as right-of-way impacts on all four legs of the intersection.

Given the project’s location within the Manatawny Creek Watershed, a designated Cold-Water Fishery Stream with Migratory Fishes, LDG prioritized regulatory compliance and ecological protection. The team implemented Best Management Practices in accordance with state and local requirements and performed environmental studies, including a Phase I Site Assessment and a Bog Turtle Habitat Assessment, to ensure the project did not adversely impact sensitive resources.

LDG’s services included project management, alternatives analysis, traffic modeling, stormwater design, utility coordination, environmental assessments, public involvement, and right-of-way planning.