A recent study by The Barber Law Firm has identified Route 611 and Route 309 as two of the deadliest state highways in Pennsylvania, both of which pass through the Lehigh Valley.
Route 611: The Most Dangerous Highway
Route 611 is the most dangerous state highway in Pennsylvania, averaging 13 fatalities per year. This 110-mile route stretches from Philadelphia to Coolbaugh Township in Monroe County, passing through the Lehigh Valley, including Northampton County and downtown Easton.
The majority of the fatalities occur in Philadelphia and the suburban areas of Montgomery and Bucks counties, with a few deadly accidents in the Lehigh Valley, especially on the winding stretch north of Easton.
Route 309: The Second Deadliest Highway
Route 309 comes in as the second most dangerous highway, with an average of 7.6 fatalities per year. Running 134 miles from Philadelphia to Monroe Township in Wyoming County, the most hazardous parts are in suburban Philadelphia, particularly in Bucks and Montgomery counties. In the Lehigh Valley, its concurrency with I-78 in Lehigh County has seen at least six fatalities.
Fatality Statistics
The study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2018 to 2022. Route 611 had 65 deaths from 61 fatal crashes, with 2022 being the worst year, recording 20 fatalities. Route 309 had 33 fatal crashes resulting in 38 deaths during the same period, with 2022 seeing 11 deaths from nine crashes.
Safety Tips
Kris Barber, founder of The Barber Law Firm, stresses the importance of caution on these roads. He advises drivers to stay focused, obey speed limits, and be extra careful when changing lanes to prevent accidents and avoid road rage.
Planned Improvements
Route 309 is set to receive upgrades as part of the Lehigh Valley’s Draft Long-Range Transportation Plan. Planned improvements include building a grade-separated intersection with Route 378 in Center Valley and rebuilding the Tilghman Street interchange in South Whitehall Township.
Other Dangerous Highways in Pennsylvania
The study also highlighted other hazardous highways:
Route 51: An 89-mile road through western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh, with an average of 5.8 fatalities per year.
Route 8: Another road in the Pittsburgh area, averaging 5.6 fatalities annually.
Route 61: Running through Berks and Schuylkill counties up to Sunbury, with an average of 5.4 deaths per year.
Conclusion
With these findings, drivers are urged to be particularly cautious on Route 611 and Route 309 to help reduce fatalities and improve road safety.