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Safety Features Upgraded On Chambers Bridge Road
By Keith Hagarty
In response to several accidents over the last year involving pedestrians, the township announced the recent completion of additional safety fencing and lighting on Chambers Bridge Road, one of Brick's busiest roadways.
"It is our duty to do everything we can to make sure residents are safe," said Mayor Stephen Acropolis. "It had become evident that there was a safety issue on Chambers Bridge Road that had to be addressed. It became our top priority."
With pedestrians attempting to cross the road and often failing to use the proper crosswalks at the designated traffic lights, Ocean County completed construction of a fence along the median of Chambers Bridge Road which prohibits pedestrian crossing except at the crosswalks. In addition, the county also announced the installation of an additional 13 lights along the roadway by Jersey Central Power & Lighting (JCP&L).
"This is about safety," said Acropolis. "There are many pedestrians, the majority of whom are elderly, that cross Chambers Bridge Road to go shopping, go to the post office and more."
"The additional lights will improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians," he said. "The lights, along with the fence, have made Chambers Bridge Road safer."
Acropolis pointed to several accidents which have occurred on the road in the last year alone prompting a need for the safety upgrades.
A 69-year-old resident of the Forge Pond Apartments Senior Complex, Harry Genovese Jr., was killed in November while trying to cross Chambers Bridge Road in his motorized wheelchair. Genovese's accident occurred on the evening of November 12 in front of the Brick Post Office.
According to a police report, Genovese had been wearing dark clothing and had no lights or reflectors on his wheelchair as he attempted to cross the road against a red light.
The driver, Patrick Judge, of the Allenwood section of Wall, was driving southbound on Chambers Bridge Road when he hit Genovese, who was attempting to cross the road westbound towards the post office, said police. No charges were filed in the accident.
Genovese's death was the second fatality to occur at the site in less than a one month period, and the fifth in the last three years. William Gregson, 74, was also killed while attempting to cross the heavily traveled road last year.
According to a police report, Gregson stepped in front of a patrol car driven by on-duty Patrolman Scott Smith. Gregson had also been wearing dark clothing, and was not using the designated crosswalk on Chambers Bridge Road.
Following the pedestrian fatalities, the Township Council responded with an open public forum in November to address the situation with residents, seeking input on how best to remedy the situation. Several residents at the forum had called for additional fencing and lighting.
Acropolis applauded the county for their cooperation and swift response in addressing the safety upgrades.
"The county was a tremendous partner on this project," said Acropolis. "They listened to our concerns and suggestions and worked quickly to get this done. I especially want to thank Freeholder Jim Lacey for his help on this project."
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