Traffic light slated for Rossmoor entrance

   MONROE — The township is making progress on a proposed traffic light that would be installed at the intersection of Applegarth Road, Middlesex Avenue and the east gate of the Rossmoor development.

By: William Greenwood
   MONROE — The township is making progress on a proposed traffic light that would be installed at the intersection of Applegarth Road, Middlesex Avenue and the east gate of the Rossmoor development.
   The Township Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a resolution that would allow Township Engineer Ernie Feist to advertise the project for bid. Mr. Feist said a bid date would be set once the Middlesex County engineer’s office approves construction documents for the light, which he expects to happen by Monday.
   He said the project would not include road widening, but would require some minor configuration changes to the east gate of Rossmoor.
   "There’ll be a new striping plan, and obviously, all the signalization equipment will have to be constructed," he said
   Mr. Feist said he expected the project to cost about $1 million, which will be split 50-50 between Monroe and the county because Applegarth Road is a county road.
   He said he hopes construction will begin and end in 2008.
   The light, which has been in the works since 2003, was delayed because of a rail spur located within 500 feet of the intersection, Mr. Feist said. That meant that CSX Transportation, the railroad in charge of the spur, had to review and approve the plans for the light.
   Mr. Feist said the company has approved the preliminary plans.
   "As soon as I get the county to release the drawings, we’ll finalize construction drawings, the rail company will get one final look, and then we’ll be ready to go out to bid," he said.
   The light is needed because of the high level of traffic that enters and exits Rossmoor through the east gate and because Middlesex Avenue is an access point for the South Middlesex Industrial Park, Mr. Feist said. He also said there have been a significant number of accidents in the area.
   "There’s been a good number through the years," he said. "Enough to catch our attention and help justify that the intersection warrants a signal."