Keep pressure on state DOT for traffic light
By Mae Rhine, Managing Editor
Lambertville needs to keep the heat on the state Department of Transportation over a promised traffic light on Route 165.
And the state needs to make it a top priority.
The intersection has been the scene of many accidents involving pedestrians, including one death last year, and others that potentially could have been far worse.
Route 165 divides a residential area on a hill from a flat part of the city where shops, the Lambertville Public Library, Lambertville Public School, playing fields, the Delaware River and other attractions lie. Pedestrians must walk across two southbound and two northbound lanes of traffic.
Even Police Director Bruce Cocuzza says “We’re on borrowed time,” before another accident occurs.
Nearly a year ago, the DOT approved a traffic signal with a pedestrian-activated control for the intersection of routes 165 and 518, a little south of where pedestrians usually cross.
Lambertville has the money for it thanks to a grant from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.
Part of the holdup was the design work, which was completed only about three months ago. That is awaiting state approval.
City officials said it took time to complete the design, but it’s now waiting for review from a department of the DOT because the state will be responsible for its maintenance.
That could take another six months.
Mayor David Del Vecchio said he explained the urgency of the situation to the DOT last week.
That kind of pressure needs to continue.
An accident involving a 14-year-old pedestrian brought the situation back to light. The teen was badly bruised, but is OK.
So it would be easy for people to forget about it — until the next time.
Let’s not wait until the “next time.”

