The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has confirmed that plans are in the works for two local road improvement projects.
One project is at the intersection of Route 9 and Craig Road at the border of Freehold Township and Manalapan, and the second project is at the Gordons Corner Road and Tennent Road overpass on Route 9 in Manalapan.
During a meeting of the Manalapan Township Committee on March 25, Mayor Richard Klauber announced that the DOT had informed Manalapan officials that those projects were in the works. The mayor said he did not have any additional information about the projects.
In response to a request from the News Transcript, the DOT provided the following information on March 27.
• Route 9 and Craig Road: This is an intersection improvement project that will include the construction of a jughandle off Route 9 northbound to facilitate motorists’ ability to cross Route 9 onto Craig Road heading west. Protected turning lanes will be added east of Route 9 and a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of East Freehold and Pond roads.
The project is in final design and programmed for construction, if funds are available, to begin in the spring of 2011. Total estimate for the project construction is approximately $7.6 million.
• Gordons Corner, Tennent Road and Route 9 bridge: This is a deck and superstructure replacement project for Gordons Corner Road over Route 9 in Manalapan. Guide rail will be upgraded and the bridge clearance will be increased to the allowable minimum of 14 feet, 9 inches.
The project is in final design. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2009 with completion in late summer 2010. Total estimate for the project construction is approximately $3.3 million.

