5 Critical Traffic Alerts On I-78 West Today, December 17, 2025: Your Commuter Survival Guide

Planning your commute or long-haul journey on Interstate 78 West today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025? As of the early morning hours, traffic conditions are relatively clear, which is typical before the rush hour begins. However, drivers must be hyper-aware of two major, long-term construction projects—one in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey—that are guaranteed to cause significant, unpredictable delays throughout the day, especially during peak travel times. Your trip requires careful planning to navigate these bottlenecks safely and efficiently.

The I-78 corridor, stretching from the Newark, New Jersey, area across the Delaware River and through the Pennsylvania Lehigh Valley, is a critical artery for commerce and commuters. Current conditions are dominated by bridge replacement and resurfacing projects. We have compiled the most recent, essential updates you need to know to avoid frustrating slowdowns and unexpected lane closures on your westward trek.

The Two Major I-78 West Construction Zones Impacting Your Drive

The majority of predictable delays on I-78 West today will stem from two massive, multi-year infrastructure projects in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These zones are notorious for causing backups that can turn a 15-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. Understanding the exact location and nature of the work is your first line of defense against traffic frustration.

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1. Pennsylvania: The I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project

The ongoing I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project in Berks County, Pennsylvania, remains one of the most significant choke points on the entire interstate. This long-term PennDOT initiative is focused on replacing the aging bridges and upgrading the surrounding roadways to meet current design standards.

• Location: Near Lenhartsville, PA, specifically around the I-78/Route 22 interchange.
• Current Impact: While the project is designed to maintain traffic flow, construction crews are actively working on building new bridge foundations and performing necessary roadway reconstruction.
• Expected Delays: Expect potential lane restrictions, particularly the right lane of I-78 westbound, which is often subject to closures. Overnight work is common for major operations like beam installation, which can lead to residual slowdowns in the early morning.
• Driver Advisory: Speeds are often reduced to 45 MPH or lower within this construction zone, and narrow lanes demand heightened attention. Always check the 511PA system for current advisories before entering Berks County.

2. New Jersey: Somerset County Bridge Deck Replacement

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is managing a multi-million dollar federally funded project in Somerset County that is causing substantial, long-term disruption on I-78 West. This work involves replacing both the eastbound and westbound bridge decks in a critical commuter area.

• Location: Somerset County, NJ, specifically where I-78 crosses over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road.
• Current Impact: This is a major, $67 million undertaking. While NJDOT aims to maintain all three lanes during peak hours, weekly or multi-day lane closures are common for bridge deck replacement work.
• Expected Delays: The area is prone to significant congestion, especially as traffic approaches the exits for Routes 202/206. A one-year ramp closure has been part of this project, which forces detour traffic onto the main highway, compounding delays.
• Driver Advisory: Be prepared for sudden lane shifts and reduced speeds. Oversized vehicles coming from the New Jersey Turnpike are often subject to detours around this construction zone.

Real-Time Traffic Traps: The Lehigh Valley Bottlenecks

Even without major accidents, the stretch of I-78 West through the Lehigh Valley—encompassing the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas—is a predictable source of congestion. The high volume of commuter and commercial traffic, combined with multiple on/off ramps in quick succession, creates daily bottlenecks. Drivers should be particularly cautious in these areas:

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• Allentown/Lehigh Street Interchange (Exit 54): This area frequently sees heavy congestion due to local traffic accessing the city. Check live traffic cameras for the I-78 @ Lehigh St condition before approaching.
• Route 309 Interchange: The junction with PA 309, which acts as a southern bypass for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area, is a significant merge point where westbound traffic often slows considerably.
• Phillipsburg, NJ to Easton, PA (Delaware River Crossing): The transition from New Jersey to Pennsylvania is a major traffic point. Any incident near the border can cause severe backup stretching into New Jersey, affecting traffic from Exit 3 (Phillipsburg) westward.

How to Survive I-78 West Traffic Today: Your Action Plan

Navigating I-78 West successfully on a day with active construction requires more than just checking a map—it requires leveraging real-time data and knowing your emergency exit points. Use these entities and resources to stay ahead of the curve.

Essential Real-Time Traffic Resources

Do not rely solely on general navigation apps. For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute information on incidents, travel delays, and construction closures, use the official state transportation platforms:

• Pennsylvania (PA): Check the 511PA system for live traffic maps, accident details, and current travel advisories for all regions of Pennsylvania.
• New Jersey (NJ): Consult the NJDOT website or their official social media channels for real-time construction updates, resurfacing projects, and incident reports in areas like Bloomsbury and Summit.
• Traffic Cameras: Utilize live traffic cameras near major congestion points, such as I-78 @ Glenside Rd (MM 46.7) in Summit, NJ, or I-78 @ RT-22 in Lenhartsville, PA, to visually confirm conditions.

Key Entities and Alternate Routes

While I-78 is the most direct route, knowing the parallel or bypass routes can save you hours during a major incident. These alternate routes are only recommended when I-78 is experiencing a complete shutdown or a multi-mile delay:

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• Route 22 (PA/NJ): A primary alternate, particularly through the Lehigh Valley. Be warned: it is often just as congested as I-78 during peak hours.
• Route 100 (PA): Can be used to bypass the Lenhartsville/Berks County construction zone, connecting from the Allentown area further south.
• Route 202/206 (NJ): These routes cross I-78 in Somerset County and can serve as a local detour to navigate around the immediate bridge construction area if traffic is gridlocked.
• Interstate 81 (I-81): For long-haul travelers heading far west, I-81 can be used as a major north-south connector to bypass the entire I-78 corridor further west in Pennsylvania.

Final Advisory: The potential for a major crash, like the dump truck accident or other severe incidents that have previously shut down all lanes, is always present on this busy interstate. Always maintain a safe following distance, especially in the tight construction zones between Lebanon County, PA, and the New Jersey border. Check your real-time app one last time before you leave the Newark/Holland Tunnel area, and again before you cross into Pennsylvania.