Mayor says he wants to pursue "a proactive posture to get the bypass we want."
By: Gwen Runkle
WEST WINDSOR Traditionally, when it comes to the Millstone Bypass, township officials have staunchly supported only one option the original bypass plan. But after careful study, township professionals agree three versions of the plan meet West Windsor’s needs and should be considered for support.
Gary Davies, the township’s traffic consultant, took a look at 18 roadway alignment alternatives developed by an advisory roundtable responsible for crafting an environmental impact statement for the bypass, at the request of Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh.
"I wanted the professionals to take a look at the alternatives and find out which ones would be best from West Windsor’s perspective," the mayor said. "I think it is important we take a proactive posture to get the bypass we want. I want to be able to go to the state Department of Transportation and recommend they build a configuration that best suits our needs, but I want to make sure we’re supporting the right one."
The DOT is expected to decide on its preferred alignment by August.
Township Engineer Jim Parvesse analyzed Mr. Davies’ findings with the help of the mayor, Councilwoman Alison Miller, Planning Board member Steve Decter and Penns Neck resident David Parris and found that three alternatives, known as B-1, A and A-1, all would be beneficial to nearby roads and neighborhoods. The alignments include the following:
Alternate B-1 includes the original alignment of the Millstone Bypass, which would run northwest from Route 571 along the Millstone River, crossing Route 1 near Harrison Street and running near the Delaware & Raritan Canal to Washington Road with a spur to Harrison Street, with the addition of a Vaughn Drive connector road.
Alternate A includes the original alignment of the Millstone Bypass combined with depressing Route 1 underneath Washington Road, and a Vaughn Drive connector road.
Alternate A-1 includes the original Millstone Bypass, Route 1 cut below Washington Road, a Vaughn Drive connector road and several service roads on either side of Route 1.
The mayor presented this information to the Township Council on Jan. 13 and met with some resistance.
Councilwoman Rae Roeder objected to any change in the township’s long-standing support of the original alignment of the Millstone Bypass and expressed concern that options A and A-1 would be too expensive to construct.
Councilwoman Kristin Appelget expressed similar sentiments and insisted the township needs to maintain a unified stand.
"What West Windsor has done well in the past is to speak with a unified voice," Ms. Appelget said. "The environmental study is coming to a close and we need to maintain our unanimity. It would be horrible to lose that at this critical juncture."
Several council members suggested holding a joint meeting of the Township Council and township Planning Board to allow everyone to discuss the options and get public input.
But on Wednesday, the Planning Board decided a joint meeting was not necessary. Instead, it will take up the issue itself at its Feb. 5 meeting.
"Members of council are welcome to attend," said Marvin Gardner, Planning Board chair. "We’re going to hear a presentation from the mayor about the alternatives and then consider whether or not to support his recommendation. The public can comment as well."
A draft environmental impact statement, evaluating the 18 bypass alternatives, is expected in April.
The DOT commissioned the Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute at Rutgers University to conduct the EIS and study possible solutions to traffic congestion in the Penns Neck area after former Gov. Christie Whitman rejected the agency’s recommendation favoring the Millstone Bypass in 2000.
An advisory roundtable of area government leaders, citizens and other officials has since been convened to assist Rutgers in crafting the EIS and building a consensus on the proper solution to congestion in the Penns Neck area.

