The 10 Most Dangerous Traffic Locations in Pennsylvania for 2025

Every year, thousands of crashes occur across Pennsylvania’s vast network of highways, intersections, and urban corridors. While many roads are relatively safe, specific locations repeatedly emerge as hotspots for serious collisions, often involving fatalities, pedestrian injuries, or high-speed wrecks. These areas are shaped by a combination of factors, including high traffic volumes, outdated road design, poor visibility, and the challenges of merging or turning, making them especially risky for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

In this report, we examine the ten most dangerous traffic locations in Pennsylvania based on recent crash data, local traffic studies, and state transportation reports. From major urban interchanges to rural highway stretches with tragic crash histories, each location poses unique hazards. Whether you’re a commuter, traveler, or resident, understanding where these risks lie can help you make safer driving decisions and underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements across the state.

1. Roosevelt Boulevard (US 1): Broad Street to Welsh Road, Philadelphia

Roosevelt Boulevard, a grueling 11-mile artery through Northeast Philadelphia, has long held the unfortunate title of Pennsylvania’s deadliest road. Between 2018 and 2022, this stretch recorded 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 14 deaths, an average of 4 fatal crashes per mile over the five years. Its combination of local and express lanes, broad cross-sections, and multifaceted traffic flow makes it a high-stakes route for both drivers and pedestrians.

This urban highway sees intense pedestrian use, frequent lane changes, and mismatched signal phases. In recent years, fatal and serious injury crashes have occurred at more than double the city’s average for similar corridors. The complexity of multiple driveways, bus stops, and side streets creates more conflict points, while inconsistent speed enforcement and limited pedestrian refuge islands worsen safety concerns.

Collision Breakdown (2018–2022)

• Fatal crashes: 12
• Fatalities: 14
• Crash density: ~4 fatal crashes per mile over five years

Pedestrian involvement: Nearly half of recent fatal incidents involved people on foot

Unique Hazards

• 12 lanes with express & local channels: Drivers frequently merge across lanes with little warning
• Confusing signal phases: Pedestrians may cross over multiple light cycles, while drivers face inconsistent timings
• High pedestrian exposure: Corridors intersect with bus stops, retail centers, and residential side streets
• Inadequate enforcement: Speed cameras and red-light systems are limited and only recently expanded

Roosevelt Boulevard runs through densely populated Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, serving as a connector for public buses, private vehicles, and foot traffic. It’s part of the city’s Vision Zero “High Injury Network,” highlighting its ongoing threat to safety. City and state officials have invested millions in grants for infrastructure upgrades, like speed enforcement cameras and redesigned crossings, to reduce fatalities by 2030.

2. I‑95: Cottman Avenue Exit to Betsy Ross Bridge, Philadelphia

This stretch of Interstate 95, spanning a key segment of Northeast Philadelphia, is one of the most dangerous highway corridors in Pennsylvania. From 2018 to 2022, it recorded 10 fatal crashes resulting in 12 fatalities, averaging three deadly crashes per mile. As one of the region’s busiest freight and commuter arteries, this portion of I‑95 handles tens of thousands of vehicles daily, many navigating unpredictable merges and congestion just south of the Cottman Avenue exit.

What makes this area particularly hazardous is the combination of high speeds, frequent on- and off-ramps, and sudden lane shifts. Drivers often encounter construction-related detours, changing traffic patterns, and aggressive lane changes from merging vehicles. These elements, along with poor weather during winter months, contribute to high-risk conditions that frequently result in multi-car pileups or high-impact crashes, especially during peak rush hour.

Collision Breakdown (2018–2022)

• Fatal crashes: 10
• Fatalities: 12
• Crash density: ~3 fatal crashes per mile
• Common crash types: Multi-vehicle collisions, sideswipes, and rear-end incidents from sudden stops

Unique Hazards

• Heavy congestion: Especially during morning and evening commute hours
• High-speed merges: Short entrance ramps funnel traffic into fast-moving lanes
• Abrupt lane shifts: Construction zones and signage often force last-second adjustments
• Commercial vehicle traffic: High tractor-trailer volume adds to the severity and complexity of collisions

This corridor of I-95 serves as a critical link between Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods and key interchanges, including the Betsy Ross Bridge into New Jersey. The stretch also runs near densely populated residential areas, the Tacony-Palmyra district, and multiple industrial zones, making it a frequent route for both commuters and heavy trucks. Despite ongoing improvement projects aimed at modernizing I‑95’s infrastructure, this segment remains one of the most collision-prone in the state, underscoring the need for further safety interventions, clearer signage, and better traffic flow design.

3. Schuylkill Expressway (I‑76): Conshohocken → University City, Philadelphia

This stretch of I‑76, widely known as the “S‑curve” and “C‑curve” area, is notorious for narrow lanes, sharp turns, and limited breakdown space. From 2018 to 2022, it experienced nine fatal crashes resulting in 10 deaths (about three fatal crashes per mile), consistently ranking among Pennsylvania’s most dangerous interstate segments.

Key Hazards

• Narrow, weaving lanes with tight curves
• Insufficient shoulders and breakdown zones
• Heavy, unpredictable rush-hour traffic merges and exits

Runs through dense suburbs into Philadelphia, with heavy commuter and commercial vehicle flow. Despite past improvements, the combination of design restrictions and high volumes keeps it a danger zone.

4. I‑70 near I‑79, Washington County (Western PA)

Though not always in headline lists, I‑70 near its interchange with I‑79 sees significant truck volume and major crashes. Both national and statewide data point to I‑70 as high-risk, especially around wheel overlaps in high-speed interchanges.

Key Hazards

• Heavy truck traffic in curved, sloping terrain
• Complex, high-speed merge patterns and weaving
• Roadway grade is a leading cause of brake failures and pileups.

Carries through-hwy freight traffic across Appalachia, making safety improvements and truck enforcement critical priorities.

5. Roosevelt Boulevard & Red Lion Road, Philadelphia

A high-volume junction with over 130 crashes and 5+ fatalities from 2017–2022. Pedestrians, bus riders, and cars navigating this mix of routes face frequent severe incidents.

Key Hazards

• Multi-lane arterials with erratic signals and aggressive through traffic
• Heavy pedestrian crossings near transit hubs
• High-speed turning lanes without a clear refuge

This intersection connects school zones, commercial centers, and SEPTA routes, consistently placing it among Philadelphia’s worst for road safety.

6. I‑376 Parkway East/West, Pittsburgh

Critical freeway segments traversing Pittsburgh, especially the Squirrel Hill and Fort Pitt Tunnels, are known for heavy, stop-and-go traffic and a high rate of crashes ranging from minor fender-benders to major pileups.

Key Hazards

• Severe congestion and abrupt slowing in tunnels
• Diminished visibility and compressed lanes
• Aggressive merging across tight exits and entrances

A vital corridor connecting suburbs with the city center, continually challenged by rush‑hour bottlenecks and crash potential.

7. I‑81: Hazleton to Scranton

This stretch saw eight fatal crashes, causing eight deaths between 2018 and 2022, averaging two fatal crashes per mile, fueling serious safety concerns along this interstate.

Key Hazards

• Heavy long-haul truck traffic
• Familiar rural hazards like fog, steep grades, and long sightlines
• Fatigue-driven multi-vehicle rear-end and crossover crashes.

A major freight route through northeastern PA, with weather and terrain adding to roadway risks.

8. Broad Street & Olney Avenue, Philadelphia

In just five years (2017–2022), this Philadelphia neighborhood junction recorded over 95 collisions with four fatalities, making it one of the city’s most crash-prone corners.

Key Hazards

• High pedestrian volumes at transit-heavy stops
• Complex left turns and inconsistent signal timing.
• The combination of retail grid and bus stops creates frequent conflict zones.

Serves public transit riders, shoppers, and residents, demanding pedestrian-focused design upgrades to reduce incident volume.

9. I‑476 (Blue Route): Delaware & Montgomery Counties

A key north-south bypass, I‑476, sees heavy commuter traffic and speeds, especially near major interchanges such as I‑95, I‑76, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It’s a hotspot for congestion-related collisions.

Key Hazards

• High-speed merges and lane changes near interchanges
• Rush-hour volumes exceeding road capacity
• Frequent braking and lane-jumping leading to rear-end and sideswipe accidents

The Philadelphia suburbs and the area serve as an international freight corridor, making safety improvements at interchanges an urgent need.

10. Route 61: Schuylkill County

This rural highway segment is frequently flagged by local news and authorities for safety issues. Though specifics vary, high fatality rates stem from its mix of design limitations and traffic demands.

Key Hazards

• Two-lane rural layout with narrow shoulders
• High-speed passing zones and few medians
• Mixed traffic of farm, local, and truck vehicles leads to dangerous head-on and run-off crashes.

Connects small coal-region communities, often rural and curvy, requiring signage, partnerships, and median enhancements to combat recurring crashes. These ten Pennsylvania locations, from urban interstate interchanges to rural thoroughfares, highlight a broad spectrum of high-risk areas across the state. Whether it’s outdated infrastructure or traffic density, each spot demands targeted safety solutions. For more information on the state’s own assessment, visit the Pennsylvania Highway Safety Improvement Program’s 2024 Annual Report. 

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