Council pushes for completion of traffic lights

Township votes to get traffic signal work into high gear.

By:Al Wicklund
MONROE — The Township Council did what it could Monday to speed the construction of two traffic signals in the township.
   The council took action on the proposed signal light at the juncture of Perrineville and Schoolhouse roads and on the long-planned light on Prospect Plains Road at the facing entrances to Concordia and Greenbriar at Whittingham.
   The Township Council unanimously adopted the resolutions aimed at getting the traffic-signal work into high gear.
   The council approved signing an agreement between the township and Middlesex County to share responsibilities for the work on the Perrineille-Schoolhouse Road light and advertising for bids for the work on the prospect Plains Road light between the Concordia and Greenbriar at Whittingham communities’ entrances.
   Township Engineer Ernie Feist said, however, it’s a long process to have a traffic light installed.
   "In the case of the signal light at Perrineville and Schoolhouse roads, for instance, the proposed light is still two to three years from being erected," the engineer said.
   Council President Irwin Nalitt said, as frustrating as the wait may be, there seems to be some progress.
   "I’m told it took 11 years to get the light at Forsgate Drive and Appelgarth Road. For the light at Applegarth and Prospect Plains roads, it took four years," Mr. Nalitt said.
   Councilman Hank Miller explained that municipalities have no control over the process.
   "In New Jersey, nothing goes on a road — not signs, painted lines or traffic lights — without state Department of Transportation approval," Mr. Miller said.
   The council authorized Mayor Richard Pucci and Township Clerk Sharon Doerfler to sign an agreement with Middlesex County officials for the joint installation of the Perrineville-Schoolhouse light.
   Township Business Administrator Wayne Hamilton said, under the terms of the agreement, Middlesex County will be responsible for 100 percent of the construction, while Monroe will handle such things as design, land acquisition and the state-approval process.
   The council also gave the go ahead to Feist Engineering, Inc., to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for bids for the Perrineville Road light as well as the Prospect Plains Road light, which will control the flow of traffic in and out of Concordia and Greenbriar at Whittingham.
   Feist Engineering also will handle the plans, specifications and bids for Forrest Park Terrace drainage and pump station and for this year’s township paving, curb and sidewalk installation projects for a fee of $100,000.
   Mr. Hamilton said the township was eager to put out specifications for bids for the traffic lights, but must receive county and state Department of Transportation approval of the specifications before it can advertise for bids.
   "We will expedite things at our end. That’s all we can control," Mr. Hamilton said.