Studies for a limited-access highway connecting Lancaster and Reading began in the early 1950s. In 1962, construction began on a four-lane highway between Spring Township and Bern Township that would eventually connect to US 222. After construction stopped, this stretch became known as "The Road to Nowhere." In 1970, construction began for a freeway bypass carrying US 222 around Kutztown. The US 222 bypass of Kutztown opened on May 25, 1973, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held. In 1973, the federal government approved the relocation of homes and businesses along the path of the proposed US 222 freeway between Lancaster and Reading. In July 1977, the final section of the US 222 freeway between Lancaster and the Berks County border opened to traffic.