Officials seeking more info regarding traffic patterns
by Megan Morreale, Special Writer
HAMILTON — The Planning Board postponed a decision on an application to build a new “super” Wawa at the intersection of Route 130 and Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road due to a request for further investigation of the traffic patterns at the intersection.
The application was discussed at the July 11 board meeting.
There was concern over a left turn out of the new Wawa site onto Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road, which would force traffic to turn just ahead of where the jug-handle coming off of Route 130 would merge.
”When you come out of the jug-handle across from the Wawa, you’re concerned about the traffic coming over your shoulder, but not what’s coming out of the Wawa,” David Kenny, Council Liaison said.
If approved, the Wawa would be the only gas station for 15 miles between Bordentown and Robbinsville on Route 130.
The application for the new Wawa includes a 4,691-square-foot convenience store and pumps for 12 fueling stations.
Although there is some diesel fuel, the site will not act as a truck stop further backing up traffic with the smaller pumps taking 6 hours to fill a tractor-trailer’s tank, project engineer Michael Gallagher said.
”They’re not looking to have this become a truck stop,” Mr. Gallagher said. “If a larger truck decided to attempt to fuel, the aisle width wouldn’t accommodate it.”
In addition to traffic concerns, there was some animosity over the construction of the new Wawa because of its impact on local businesses.
A group of construction workers came to protest the building of the new Wawa, waving signs with “Say no to Wawa” written on them.
They accused Wawa of not acting as a as a good corporate neighbor by refusing to hire local builders and employees.
”Wawa has a history of bringing out of state workers into areas that they develop,” Fred Dumont, 195 Briner Lane, said. “One of the things Wawa has to illustrate is that it’s good for the neighborhood, good for Hamilton Township and good for the public.”
Mr. Dumont called for Wawa to have to sign an agreement stating that they would hire only locals for their projects and employees.

