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State Steps Up And Assures Funding For Route 70 Upgrades, Traffic Improvements
By Catherine Snipe
Now that the state confirmed its commitment to projects the township is pushing for, Route 70 traffic should get some much-needed relief.
The township affirmed last week that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) will pay for and oversee traffic improvement projects in the township.
Originally, the township council planned to pay upfront for improvements totaling $2.2 million. The idea was that the township could put the wheels in motion faster than the state. But then after meetings with state officials, the township learned the state would take on the projects.
Route 70 is a state highway, overseen by the DOT.
The question for the township was, could the state take on the project soon enough?
So far, the answer is no. Council President Stephen Acropolis said the state's timetable is not exactly as quick as the township needs to address an unacceptable traffic problem.
With spring 2008 as a scheduled start, it pushes back elements to the plan they'd hoped to begin already, Acropolis said.
But, it means money needed for the project will be provided by the state, not the township - and that's good news for local taxpayers.
If the township did go ahead as originally planned, the idea was to seek reimbursement from the state after paying for the project upfront. The township aggressively sought approval from the DOT to start a $2.2 million project along the Brick portion of Route 70.
Acropolis said the idea is to target the "missing mile" of Route 70, an area that encompasses the intersections of Chambersbridge Road, Cedar Bridge Road and Brick Boulevard. That area has become notorious for its backlog of traffic, officials said.
Acropolis said the area could benefit from new jug hangles and other traffic improvements, part of six "breakout projects" in a plan to add new turning lanes and other traffic management tools.
Township Administrator Scott Pezzares said another sticking point if the township led the project would getting approval from the state for the municipal plans, creating what's called a "full planning phase operation" with the state.
Previously, council members said the state process just takes too long.
"It's absolutely ridiculous to tell our citizens to wait 10 to 15 years to see improvements to traffic on Route 70," said Councilman Anthony Matthews.
The idea to not wait for state money was first discussed in October's council meeting. The council planned to add the $2.2 million project to its 2007 capital budget.
Now, the area has left and right turn lanes in some intersections. On Chambersbridge Road, traffic backs up past the post office and some drivers use the ShopRite plaza to get to Route 70 West instead of advancing toward the light.
In another place, drivers on Brick Boulevard hoping to turn onto Chambers Bridge find traffic has backed up and is creating gridlock.
The township is also working with state elected officials, hoping legislators will continue to speak out for their constituents' traffic woes.
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