Pennsylvania Route 73

PA 73 WB approaching Maidencreek Road

PA 73 EB past Swamp Pike

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2022-10-11 12 40 40 View west along Pennsylvania State Route 73 (Skippack Pike) from the overpass for the rail line at Camp Hill Road in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

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PA 73 WB past Haws Lane

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PA 73 WB past Bustleton Avenue

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PA 73 WB past US 13

Pennsylvania Route 73 (PA 73) is a significant state highway in Pennsylvania, United States, that runs for approximately 62 miles (100 km) from the Philadelphia city limits at its eastern end to its western terminus at PA 61 in Leesport. The route is known for connecting various towns and cities across southeastern Pennsylvania, serving as a vital corridor for both local and through traffic. It traverses through several counties, including Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Berks County, and others, highlighting its importance in the regional transportation network.

Route Description

PA 73 begins at the eastern edge of Philadelphia, near its border with Cheltenham Township in Montgomery County. From there, it moves northwest, crossing into Montgomery County and passing through suburban areas characterized by residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and industrial parks. Key towns along this section include Glenside, Blue Bell, and Skippack, where the route intersects with major roads like PA 611 and PA 476, the latter of which is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike system.

Continuing west, PA 73 enters Berks County, where the landscape transitions to more rural and agricultural settings. The route meanders through small towns and farmlands, serving as a main street in some communities and bypassing others. Notable points along this stretch include the historic Oley Valley and the borough of Boyertown, where PA 73 intersects with PA 100, providing connections to the northern and southern parts of the state.

The western terminus of PA 73 is in Leesport, where it meets PA 61, a major north-south route that runs through the central part of Pennsylvania. This junction marks the end of PA 73's journey across southeastern Pennsylvania, concluding its role as a key east-west transportation link in the region.

History

The designation of PA 73 has evolved over the years, with changes to its routing reflecting the development of the surrounding areas and the needs of the traveling public. Originally, parts of the route were designated as different numbers, and it was not until the statewide road numbering system was introduced in the 1920s that PA 73 received its current designation. Since then, various realignments and improvements have been made to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and enhance safety.

Major Intersections

PA 73 features several significant intersections with other state highways and major roads, facilitating regional connectivity. These include junctions with PA 611 in Cheltenham, PA 476 near Blue Bell, PA 100 in Boyertown, and PA 61 in Leesport. Each of these intersections serves as a critical node in the transportation network, supporting the flow of traffic and providing access to other parts of Pennsylvania and beyond.

See Also

• List of state highways in Pennsylvania
• Transportation in Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia
• Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
• Berks County, Pennsylvania