Chaos on Route 22: Multi-Vehicle Crash Snarls Northampton County Commute

Northampton County commuters faced a frustrating start to their Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as a serious multi-vehicle crash brought Route 22 West to a crawl during the peak morning rush hour. The incident, reported just after 7:30 AM, occurred in Bethlehem Township near the busy Route 191 exit, triggering extensive delays that stretched for miles.

According to initial reports from the Pennsylvania State Police, at least three vehicles were involved in the collision. While details are still emerging, emergency crews, including local fire and EMS personnel, swiftly responded to the scene. Minor injuries have been reported, and responders are actively assessing the situation and assisting those involved.

The immediate aftermath saw critical lane closures. The left and center lanes of Route 22 West were shut down to allow for emergency vehicle access, debris clear-up, and accident investigation. This bottleneck created a significant snarl, with traffic backing up well past the Route 33 interchange and impacting feeder roads throughout the area.

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible and seek alternate routes, such as Route 378 or local roads, to navigate around the congestion. Commuters heading westbound are advised to allow for considerable extra travel time or consider postponing non-essential trips through the affected corridor.

State Police indicated that the scene is expected to remain active for several hours as they work diligently to clear the roadway and restore normal traffic flow. Drivers are encouraged to stay updated via local news reports and traffic apps for the latest information on reopening times and any ongoing diversions. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated during this challenging morning commute.