COLTS NECK – Ground has been broken on a long-awaited project that will improve the intersection of Route 537 and Route 34 in Colts Neck.
Route 537 is a Monmouth County highway. Route 34 is a state highway. The majority of funding to address problems at the intersection will come from the federal government.
According to a press release from the county, the work will significantly improve the worst peak-hour performing intersection in the county. The New Jersey Department of Transportation has partnered with the county on the effort because of the impact to Route 34.
“For nearly two decades, from when I was a member of the Colts Neck Township Committee, and then mayor, and now as a county freeholder, I have labored to bring this much-needed project to fruition,” Monmouth County Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said.
“For years, business owners, residents and travelers alike have suffered with the long wait times and hazardous driving conditions. This work will dramatically change how people travel in and around the heart of Colts Neck.
“As a resident of the township myself, I am personally gratified to see us reaching this significant milestone and I applaud our county Public Works and Engineering department and our partners on the state level for their tireless efforts to make this project a reality,” Burry said.
The $17.5 million construction project is nearly entirely funded by federal dollars. The county’s share is approximately $172,000 for items such as police officers to help manage traffic for the duration of the approximately 27-month time frame; however, state Transportation Trust Fund monies are expected to cover those costs, according to the press release.
The initiative was advanced due to the deteriorating efficiency at the intersection. Specifically, the work will improve existing safety and operations at the location and reduce delays during peak hours by creating additional capacity at the traffic signal along Route 34 and Route 537. The goal is to mitigate the number of drivers attempting to avoid the intersection by using alternate local roads, according to the press release.
Route 34 is a major access point for Route 18, which is south of the intersection, for the residents of Colts Neck and nearby communities. Approximately 20,000 vehicles per day traverse Route 34, while Route 537 sees another 17,000. These traffic counts result in substantial delays during peak hours on both roads, according to the press release.
“This critical project will above all improve safety for the tens of thousands who travel theses roads every day,” said Congressman Christopher Smith (R-NJ). “The federal contribution is critically important, but the hard work, day-to-day tenacity of Freeholder Burry is what makes it a reality and ensures more safety and better traffic flow in the area.
“The project is long overdue, but when it is completed it should help relieve traffic. We also hope it will cut down on motorists using local roads in an attempt to skip the gridlock,” he said.
In addition to the upgraded signals and added capacity at the intersection, two bridge structures adjacent to the location, which carry traffic over Mine Brook, will be reconstructed. Bio-retention basins in the northeast and northwest quadrants will also be incorporated in the scope of work.
Greenman Pedersen Inc. of Lebanon is the project designer and the construction resident engineering firm is T&M Associates of Middletown. The construction work was awarded to Rencor Inc. of Somerville. The anticipated completion date is December 2019, according to the press release.