Grumble about Rumble Strips Lingers, Upper Committee Agrees They Aid Safety

PETERSBURG – The Upper Township Committee held its regular meeting June 20. Again the committee discussed the issue of the New Jersey Department of Transportation placing rumble strips on state roads throughout the township. 
Mayor Richard Palombo spearheaded a discussion with committee regarding whether to pass a resolution requesting DOT to refrain from using any rumble strips, in passing or no-passing areas, in Upper Township.
At the June 13 meeting, during the public comment portion, David Kelly, a resident of Marshallville Road in Tuckahoe, raised concern about the rumble strips. 
He stated, “Of course the rumble strips have merit to protect us all against distracted drivers but my neighborhood along Marshallville Road and other surrounding neighborhoods will suffer detriment from the constant noise of these rumble strips.”
The committee reviewed the detailed information provided in a report to the township by the State Police on the use and impact of rumble strips.
Lt. Doug Pearson from the Woodbine State Police Station was present to answer questions regarding the Federal Highway Administration report and to provide his perspective and experience regarding roads with rumble strips.
As indicated in the report, on roads with rumble strips they have seen accidents reduced by 40 percent.
Committeeman Hobart Young discussed how much noise was produced by these rumble strips. In conclusion, the committee agreed that the safety factor far outweighed the noise factor.
The committee unanimously agreed that for the good of the community and public safety that it will not have a resolution requesting DOT to refrain from using rumble strips on state roads within the township. Palombo added, “The NJ DOT has been using rumble strips for years, and it is best we leave it to the DOT and their regulations.”
Tuckahoe Bridge Construction
Township Engineer Paul Dietrich reported that on June 28, 29 and 30 the Tuckahoe Bridge will be closed in both directions from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. The south side of the bridge on Rt. 50 will be paved from the bridge to Mosquito Landing Road.
Young pointed out the poor condition of Mosquito Landing Road making it a very difficult passage for those wanting to make use of the township’s boat launch.
Dietrich said that they will continue to fix the pot holes and that he expects the road will get a permanent repair in the coming fall or winter.
Parkway Great Egg Harbor Bridge
It is anticipated that by the end of August the southbound span of the bridge will have been completed.
By late September all traffic, north and southbound will be directed to use that portion. There will be two lanes in either direction. Renovations and repairs to the present northbound lane will begin then, and the old southbound will be demolished.
Road Paving
The paving and line striping of Commonwealth Avenue in Strathmere is half completed.
In July, the township will solicit bids to have Hope Corson Road from Stagecoach to Route 50 and Upper Bridge Road paved. Work is expected to be done in the Fall.  
Next Committee meeting will be on July 11.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.