Loop roads would relieve pressure on intersection with Cherry Valley Road and Princeton Avenue.
By: Rachel Silverman
The Princeton Regional Planning Board’s Circulation Subcommittee is trying to smooth out some kinks on Route 206 by designating connector roads from Route 206 to both Cherry Valley Road and Princeton Avenue.
The project, which is half in Princeton Township and half in Montgomery Township, would have one connector road behind the Sunoco gas station going north on 206 and the other through the PNC Bank parking lot that would connect to Cherry Valley Road.
By constructing such jughandle-type improvements, the municipalities hope to alleviate some of the traffic congestion clogging the busy Route 206 intersection.
"They have over 200 vehicles per hour cutting through their neighborhood," Princeton Township Engineer Robert Kiser said, referring to the heavy traffic flow within the township’s Hillside Avenue neighborhood.
In addition to traffic enhancements, the project also aims to improve the general safety of the intersection.
"The intersection is more of an X-type configuration rather than simply a cross," Mr. Kiser explained. "This will serve to eliminate left-turn movements at the traffic signal. We want to make the intersection much safer."
Mr. Kiser said the project is moving along at a steady pace.
"We went before the Planning Board last month, and now the Circulation Committee," Mr. Kiser said. "The (state) Department of Transportation has indicted they are in favor of our plans. We’re hoping to receive approval within the next month or so."
Mr. Kiser also mentioned that both townships have received state grants to aid in construction costs.
"Montgomery received about $200,000, and Princeton has received about $150,000," he said.

