Middle Meeting Yields Plan to Reduce Parkway Project Gridlock

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue called a meeting July 11 between County and Township officials and representatives of the State of NJ and the Garden State Parkway Overpass Project contractor. The meeting was held to explore possible solutions to traffic headaches caused by the ongoing construction to replace the three traffic lights on the Parkway with overpasses.
“I want to thank Freeholder Director Jerry Thornton, County Administrator Mike Laffey, County Engineer Dale Foster and the reps from the project contractor and NJDOT for meeting with our team on short notice,” Donohue said. “We had a productive 90-minute meeting to discuss the safety and traffic issues related to the Parkway Overpass Project. Our number one concern is public safety. We must also find ways to reduce the gridlock in downtown Cape May Court House. Our residents, visitors and local business owners are frustrated and suffering from these delays.”
Donohue said reasonable and safe access to Cape Regional Hospital also had to be at the top of the list for all parties involved.
As a result of the meeting the following modifications are being proposed. Travelers should see these changes within the next seven to ten days.
1. Four-day closure of Shellbay Avenue has been pushed back to next week, 7/21 to 7/23. This work needs to be completed before the school year commences in early September.
2. Crest Haven Road will NOT be closed again during the summer season.
3. No more than one road in Middle Township will be shut down at one time. All road closures will be reviewed with Middle Township Police Department prior any closure.
4. More up-to-date and accurate construction information to be provided weekly to Township and media.
5. Bi-weekly engineer meetings will continue, with the Middle Township Engineer receiving regular updates.
6. Improved signage will suggest alternate routes to pull traffic away from Stone Harbor Boulevard.
Middle Township press release p.2
7. Whenever possible, utility work will be done during off hours or at night and no more than one lane to be closed.
8. Coming out of Stone Harbor, the right lane will now be marked as “turn right or go straight.” Signage and road markings will be improved.
9. Going east on Stone Harbor Boulevard towards Stone Harbor, the left lane will now be marked as “turn left or go straight.” Stone Harbor Boulevard will be re-marked as two lanes up to Bayberry Drive. At Bayberry Drive, there will be a right-turn lane with the left lane continuing straight through.
10. Once these lane changes are completed, there will be no more lane closures on Stone Harbor Boulevard until after the summer season.
Mayor Donohue said that the Township would continue to push for a longer green light going east and west at exit 10, but did not get that commitment in this meeting. The forthcoming Brighton Road access to the Parkway south cannot be opened at this time. That action would end drivers’ ability to access Mechanic Street from the Parkway’s southbound lanes. This would force more traffic to exit 10 and Stone Harbor Boulevard.
“It’s not all we wanted, but we appreciate the cooperation of the groups and agencies involved,” Donohue said. “We will see how much these changes help. Folks who drive these roads regularly also need to do their part. We hope that drivers will try to use alternate routes when possible, carpool and try to travel during off hours. We all can suggest alternate routes to others not familiar with the area. Leave a little early and continue to be patient.”