By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
STOCKTON — Installation of a long awaited pedestrian-activated flashing signal could begin in November, according to an estimate from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The signal, approved by the DOT in 2007, is intended to make pedestrian crossings of Route 29 safer.
The underground electrical installation was completed last month.
”At this time, the appropriate materials are being ordered in order for the installation of the flashing signal itself,” DOT spokesman Timothy Greeley said. “I do not have a timeline for when that construction will begin, most likely within a month.”
The signal will feature a pedestrian-activated button that will light warning signs north and south of the crossing.
”We are waiting for the crew to come and install the posts and paint the lines on the road, and it will be finished,” Delaware River Mill Society Executive Director Edie Sharp said.
The crosswalk sits behind a curve along Route 29. Volunteers, including Ms. Sharp, have been known to stand in the middle of the road to help some of the approximately 27,000 visitors to the Prallsville Mills complex last year cross Route 29 safely.
The number of visitors has steadily risen since 2002 when the tally was only 8,000.
According to Ms. Sharp, Prallsville Mills is a “shining star” among the state’s parks, and it has become a flourishing destination that is 100 percent self-supporting.
Half of the site’s bookings are made by nonprofit organizations. The other half are “big ticket” events for Prallsville, such as the 45 weddings it hosts each year, Ms. Sharp said.
With the improvements that are planned, the site could become even busier.
”We are deep into plans,” Ms. Sharp said.
The building that houses the sawmill is set to reopen in 2009. Also next year, Prallsville will take part in the 175th anniversary celebration of the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
The Prallsville Mills were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The following year, the property became part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
The mill society was formed to take on the responsibility of restoring, operating and interpreting the site when the state was unable to do so. The society is now two years into its second 20-year lease.

