A much-needed roadway improvement project at
the high-volume intersection of State Highway Route 34 and County Route 537 in
Colts Neck, Monmouth County kicked off with an official groundbreaking today
for major work that will continue through 2019. The crossroads has long been
the torment of commuters forced to endure slow and heavy traffic during peak
traffic hours.
The project, which
includes an estimated $17.5 in federal funding (approximately 75 percent of the
total) will significantly ease traffic jams and increase safety at the
intersection of two extremely busy roadways.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ),
who attended the ceremony with local officials, credited Monmouth County
Freeholder Lillian Burry who has been shepherding the project since 2000.
“
This critical project will above all improve safety for the tens of
thousands that travel theses roadways every day,” said Smith. “
The federal contribution, more than $17
million, is critically important, but the hard work, day-to-day tenacity of
Freeholder Burry is what makes it a reality and ensures more safety and better
traffic flow in the area.
“
The
project is long overdue, but when it’s completed it should help relieve traffic.
We also hope it will cut down on motorists using local roads in an attempt to
skip the gridlock.”
Smith said that Monmouth
County estimates show that Route 34 sees 20,000 vehicles per day while CR 537
sees approximately 17,000 vehicles daily. The volumes at the intersection
regularly exceed capacity with lines ranging from 500-700 feet long.
Frustrated drivers push
through yellow and even red lights creating dangerous conditions and putting themselves
and other motorists at risk.
In addition to enhancing
capacity at the intersection and replacing the traffic signal, the project
includes reconstruction of two bridge structures, one on each roadway that go
over Mine Brook. Monmouth County, which is the lead agency on the project,
reports that existing lane configuration and operation will be maintained at
the intersection daily, during the construction with no more than 10 overnight
closures.
“
These improvements were first proposed as far back as 2000,” Smith
said. “
Careful attention,
effective local, state, federal resources coordination, proper permitting and
extensive local public input are all part of the formula that came together to
make this greatly needed improvement a reality.”
The federal funds for the
project will come through the National Highway Performance Program, and the
remainder from local funds.
Smith joined State Sen.
Jen Beck, Freeholder Director Lillian Burry and Freeholders Tom Arnone, John Curley,
Gary Rich and Serena DiMaso, as well as Sheriff Shaun Golden and County Engineer Joseph
Ettore at the groundbreaking. Colts Neck Deputy Mayor, J. P.Bartolomeo and
Committeemen Thomas Orgo and Frank G. Rizzuto also attended.
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