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Labor Day Weekend travel kicks off: Busy roads, delays, travel tips

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. vel-kicks-off-busy-roads-delays-travel-tips.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 14:08 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Labor‑Day Weekend in the Lehigh Valley: Roads Bust, Tips for Travelers, and What’s Happening Around Town

The weekend of September 2–4 marked the start of the long‑anticipated Labor‑Day holiday in the Lehigh Valley, and the region’s roads did not disappoint. According to a report from WFMZ‑News and a host of accompanying sources, the area’s major highways and interstates—particularly US 22, US 209, PA 309, and the I‑78 corridor—saw traffic volumes that were “well above normal,” causing delays that lasted from 15 minutes to over an hour in some cases. In what WFMZ calls “a busy weekend that will test the patience of even the most seasoned commuters,” residents and visitors were urged to prepare in advance, stay informed, and consider alternate routes.

What the Traffic Report Tells Us

PennDOT’s Real‑Time Updates
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) published a live traffic map that was linked in the WFMZ story. According to the map, the stretch of US 22 between Allentown and the Delaware border and the stretch of US 209 near Bethlehem were the hardest hit. In the morning, a 10‑mile segment of PA 309 in eastern Lehigh County recorded an average speed of just 22 mph. By mid‑afternoon, traffic along the I‑78–US 22 interchange at Allentown had slowed to 30 mph, and the stretch south of the city’s downtown saw a 35‑minute wait time for one lane of travel.

Local News Snapshots
The article featured several on‑screen graphics from WFMZ’s traffic camera network, showing real‑time congestion at the following junctions:

• US 22 and PA 145 – heavy queuing of northbound trucks and private vehicles.
• US 209 and PA 145 – a bottleneck at the interchange in Whitehall Township.
• PA 309 near Dorneyville – a 15‑mile stretch jammed with late‑night travelers heading to the Poconos.

In addition to traffic, the piece referenced a WFMZ video that highlighted safety concerns—particularly the risk of rear‑end collisions on the highway shoulder—when drivers were forced to change lanes abruptly to accommodate slower traffic.

Local Officials Weigh In

Lehigh County Highway Commissioner
A quoted statement from the County’s Highway Commissioner, “We’re working around the clock to keep the lanes clear, but the volume of cars, trucks, and RVs is unprecedented. We recommend that motorists keep an eye on the PennDOT traffic updates and consider alternate routes when possible.”

Township Planning Office
The Whitehall Township Planning Office offered additional guidance: “We’re deploying temporary signage and traffic enforcers at key choke points. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the “S‑curve” near the Dorneyville exit, as it tends to be a slow‑down zone during peak times.”

Travel Tips from Multiple Sources

The article pulled practical advice from three key references:

1. PennDOT’s “Avoid Peak Hours” Advisory – The state’s website (https://www.penndot.gov/) recommended traveling before 7 am or after 9 pm, when most commuters had left the valley. The website also suggested using the “PennDOT Live Traffic” app for instant updates.

2. Lehigh Valley Tourism Board – The board’s website (https://www.lehighvalley.org/) offered alternate routes such as PA 987 to PA 512 for those heading south or PA 863 for those going east. They also promoted using the “Lehigh Valley Public Transit” system for those who prefer not to drive.

3. Local Radio Station WFMZ’s “Weekend Planner” – The station’s playlist of “Avoid the Rush” radio segments offered real‑time alerts for accidents and road closures, giving drivers a dynamic map of alternative routes.

In addition to these, WFMZ advised motorists to:

• Check Road Conditions Before You Leave – Look up any construction or detour notices on the PennDOT site or the “Traffic Conditions” section of the local county website.
• Use Alternate Routes When Possible – For instance, instead of heading north on PA 309, one could use PA 987 and then PA 512 south of Allentown to bypass the busiest segment.
• Plan for Delays – Even with alternate routes, drivers should add at least 15 minutes to their travel time estimate.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies – Keep a fully charged phone, a spare set of tires, and a first‑aid kit in your vehicle.
• Stay Calm – Avoid aggressive driving or sudden lane changes. In heavy traffic, small distractions can quickly become dangerous.

What’s Happening Around Town

While traffic is a significant part of the Labor‑Day weekend narrative, the article also spotlighted the region’s cultural and recreational highlights. Key events included:

• Allentown’s Labor‑Day Parade – A 4‑mile procession featuring local school bands, veterans, and marching bands from neighboring towns.
• Bethlehem’s Fireworks Display – Scheduled for 9:30 pm on Sunday, the event attracts crowds that spill onto the downtown streets, further contributing to evening traffic congestion.
• Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival – Held at the Lehigh County Fairgrounds, featuring craft breweries, local farms, and live music. The festival’s parking lot is expected to fill up by late afternoon, encouraging visitors to arrive early or use public transport.
• Pocono Mountain Road Trips – The article highlighted scenic drives, particularly the 100‑mile stretch along US 209, with a special “Holiday Trail” sign featuring stop‑off points in scenic towns like Tannersville and Stroudsburg.

What’s Next?

PennDOT has stated that the traffic pattern is likely to persist through the weekend, with the possibility of extended delays on Monday as holiday travelers head back to the city. In addition to monitoring traffic conditions, the Lehigh County Transportation Authority has called for “public cooperation” and urged motorists to be patient.

The WFMZ team also encouraged residents to share their traffic experiences via social media, using the hashtag #LVTravel, to help disseminate real‑time information across the region.

Bottom Line

The Labor‑Day weekend in the Lehigh Valley has been a textbook example of how a holiday can test local infrastructure. With US 22, US 209, PA 309, and I‑78 experiencing record traffic, the key takeaway is preparation. By checking PennDOT updates, using alternate routes, planning for delays, and staying informed through local media, drivers can navigate the congested highways more safely and reduce frustration. Meanwhile, the region’s cultural events—from parades to fireworks—continue to draw crowds and add to the travel mix, making the weekend memorable for those who manage the traffic wisely.