How Much Do You Think I-78 Has Changed the Saucon Valley?

The 25th anniversary of I-78's opening in the Lehigh Valley will be in 2014.

The construction of the interstate highway and the exits along it have certainly changed many towns and townships near it forever, but for places like the Saucon Valley—which became readily accessible via the Route 412 interchange on the Hellertown-Bethlehem border—the changes have been more dramatic.

As with anything, the highway has its pros and cons.

In the years since it opened, commerce and real estate values have increased—but some residents might argue that their quality of life has decreased, as a result of increased traffic, congestion and crime.

If you were a resident of the Saucon Valley before I-78 opened, tell us how you think the highway has changed both the local landscape and culture.

And if you're a recent transplant to the area, did I-78's proximity influence your decision to move to the Saucon Valley?

Tell us in the comments.

Photo: Police respond to an accident at the I-78 interchange on Route 412 in Hellertown (Patch file photo).