Lacey Township is slated to receive $6,000,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for a major extension to Railroad Avenue that will help alleviate traffic congestion along Route 9 and provide greater mobility for residents traveling throughout the town and the surrounding area.

            “During peak travel time, the Route 9 corridor in Lacey Township develops heavily, leaving no alternative paths to travel to other parts of the town or its neighboring communities,” said Rep. Smith, who personally secured the funds for the project as one of his congressional earmarks that were signed into law on Saturday as part of a negotiated budget.

            “The extension of Railroad Avenue will not only ease the flow of traffic within Lacey Township but will also improve safety conditions for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike,” Smith said.

            The project—which is estimated to cost $6,119,345—includes the construction of a new two-lane limited access parallel to Route 9 from Lacey Road South to Station Drive and from Musket Drive North to South Street. The new roadway would also include a multiuse path known as the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail as part of a joint project between Lacey and Ocean County.

            “Additionally, the project will allow Lacey Township to promptly respond to facilitating a new construction of drainage swales, stormwater piping, and an infiltration basin to help correct flooding during rainstorms and make traveling alongside Route 9 in bad weather safer and more efficient,” said Smith.

            “Committeeman Tim McDonald, Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano and their team in Lacey helped make the case, and I look forward to working with them through the completion of the project,” Smith said.

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