The state DOT’s Congestion Busters Task Force is trying to alleviate traffic problems near N.J. Turnpike Exit 8A.
By: Joseph Harvie
In an effort to reduce tractor-trailer traffic on residential streets in the eastern section of South Brunswick, the township Public Works Department and the state Department of Transportation have posted new signs detailing warehouse locations in the area.
The signs were posted in mid-March as part of the state DOT’s Congestion Busters Task Force program, which is targeting ways to alleviate traffic problems near N.J. Turnpike Exit 8A, said Ron Schmalz, township public affairs coordinator.
The signs, similar to ones used at airports, are color-coded and tell truck drivers which way to get to warehouses in the area of Exit 8A. They are posted along roads such as Herrod Boulevard, Thatcher Road and Route 535, Mr. Schmalz said.
He said there are more than 50 signs in the warehouse area in addition to 13 signs posted by the township in March on Davidsons Mill Road east of the Turnpike overpass. Those signs warn trucks not to cross the overpass due to the 4-ton weight limit on the road beyond that point.
Mr. Schmalz said the warehouses also helped to get the signs up and have been working with their drivers to let them know about new warehouses. He said that companies such as Matrix, Forsgate, Heller and Air Products have all helped in putting up the signs.
"They want to be part of the community and make a conscious effort to be part of the solution," Mr. Schmalz said.
Mr. Schmalz said the Congestion Busters program also plans to use Global Positioning System Data to enter warehouse locations into Internet-accessible maps. He said the beginning stages of that process are already in motion.
Mayor Frank Gambatese and Councilman Chris Killmurray said members of the Dayton Village Coalition, a citizens’ group comprised of Dayton residents, are pleased with the new signs.
"They said they’ve seen a decrease in the number of trucks on local roads," Mayor Gambatese said. "I think that the signs are a real big plus for the community and they’re getting the trucks where they need to go."
Mr. Killmurray agreed that the signs have helped.
"The signage, along with an increase in directed patrols in different problem spots in that area, has really helped to alleviate the truck traffic," he said. "We’ve also gone out and educated the different companies in town, so that the truckers know what roads they should and shouldn’t be on."

