Middlesex County and Township of Monroe to Move Forward with Major Improvements to Traffic Signal at Applegarth and Prospect Plains Road

County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, County Commissioner Charles Kenny, and County Commissioner Leslie Koppel met with Mayor Stephen Dalina along with officials from Middlesex County and the Township of Monroe last week to further discuss improvements to the intersection of Prospect Plains Road and Applegarth Road in Monroe Township. The onsite meeting represented the culmination of efforts, led by Mayor Dalina as well as County Officials, to improve safety in this corridor.    Along with replacing traffic signals Applegarth/Prospect Plains Road, the project improvements will dedicated left turn arrows in all directions, sidewalks, pedestrian pushbuttons, ADA ramps, and roadway reconstruction.  Design is concluding, and land acquisition will now begin on the project this winter.         “This project is a collaboration between Middlesex County and the Township of Monroe with support and assistance from the Middlesex County Department of Transportation. It’s great to see all parties involved working together for the safety of our Middlesex County residents,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “Middlesex County is proud to invest in these safety improvements, but it is essential that pedestrians play their part by making smart, safe decisions and by crossing roads only at authorized locations.”    “Safety is our top priority and the proposed improvements to this well-traveled corridor, including dedicated left turn arrows, promises to provide safer passage for vehicle and pedestrian traffic alike,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina, Township of Monroe.  “This is another strategic collaboration with Middlesex County to improve quality of life for our residents and all those who travel through Monroe Township.  We are thankful to County Commissioner Director Rios, County Commissioners Kenny and Koppel and the County Department of Transportation for their time and effort in ensuring this important project moves forward.”     “Prospect Plains Road is a really busy road that gets a lot of pedestrian foot traffic. These improvements will help make it safer for not just pedestrians but motorists alike,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of the Transportation Committee. “Our intent is to save lives and prevent serious injuries by making necessary improvements where needed. We have listened to the community’s concerns and are positive these improvements to Prospect Plains Road will meet everyone’s needs.”      “On behalf of all the residents in the Township of Monroe, I know how crucial this traffic signal project is to our community,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Leslie Koppel. “Not only does the County fully support this project, but we are dedicated to getting this project moving in a timely fashion and addressing all concerns.”

Halloween Safety Tips

We encourage everyone to follow these basic tips from the 2021 National Safety Council to make sure trick-or-treating is enjoyable for all:  A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you Agree on a specific time children should return home Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends Motorists: Watch for children walking on roadways Enter and exit driveways carefully At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home

Monroe Township Awarded $327K State Grant from NJDOT for Roadway and Pedestrian Improvements to Spotswood Gravel Hill Road

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced earlier this week that Monroe Township will receive a $327,480 grant from the 2022 Municipal Aid Program for its Spotswood Gravel Hill Road – Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements project.       “This section of roadway needs some upgrading and we are pleased to be able to make the necessary improvements with support from the state DOT,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina. “We are thankful to our legislators, including Senator Greenstein and Assemblymen DeAngelo and Benson, for supporting our efforts to secure these funds.”   The funding will be utilized to construct roadway and pedestrian improvements along Spotswood Gravel Hill Road from Eric Court to Benny Lane. The scope of work primarily includes restoration of the roadway, milling, paving, signage, guide rail upgrades, minor drainage improvements, and installation of additional sidewalk for pedestrian accessibility.       NJDOT’s Municipal Aid Program is a very competitive program intended to provide municipalities with transportation-based grants to supplement their transportation programs. Each fiscal year, the NJDOT issues a solicitation announcement to municipalities inviting them to apply for funding for their specific project needs. Projects are presented to a screening committee comprised of municipal engineers and NJDOT staff appointed by the Commissioner. The committee evaluates the projects presented and makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Transportation for consideration and approval.   NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project.

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