Rumble Strip Displeasure Surfaces; Road, Bridge Projects ‘Killing Business’

PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met June 13 and learned that because of on-going construction on Route 50 and the Tuckahoe Bridge traffic, congestion will continue throughout the summer. 
“The mayor and I and others attended a briefing last week, and traffic will continue to be re-directed,” said Committee member Jeffrey Pierson.
“From Friday night through Sunday traffic will be one-way headed north and those headed south will be re-routed onto (Route) 49 south around the area of Head of the River,” he continued.
Pearson also noted, “This construction is killing business in the area.”
“People are getting lost, there have to be better detour signs,” indicated Mayor Richard Palombo. He directed Engineer Paul Dietrich to ask for improved signage.
“I’ve had people call me this week that they can’t find their way as well as complaining about the red light at the bridge even though there is only one way the traffic can go,” said the mayor.
During public comments, David Kelly, a resident of Marshallville Road,  Tuckahoe, which runs parallel to Route 49, spoke. He described as “A new development that will affect all of us here in this room, namely rumble strips being placed on the center lines of both passing as well as no-passing traffic areas along Routes 49 and 50.”
Kelly gave a timeline of his outreach to notify Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) who “was quite responsive.” He had researched and learned that Dennis Township had passed a resolution regarding the noise and adverse effects of rumble strips on Route 47.
“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 really suffer detriment from the constant noise of these rumble strips,” stated Kelly.
“I can’t commit to not having rumble strips anywhere since they are a big public safety factor, and that is one of our top priorities, and all we can do is make a request since we’re not in control, but we can consider this type of action,” commented Palombo.
Ultimately, committee directed Solicitor Daniel Young to research whether there is any prior resolution and then to draft a resolution requesting the state Department of Transportation to refrain from using any rumble strips, whether in passing or no-passing areas, in Upper Township.
This resolution is to be considered at the next Upper Township Committee meeting.
Fourth of July Festivities
Committee member Hobart Young reported on this year’s Fourth of July preparations. They will include hay rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and a variety of music and bands all culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. “Because of the sponsorship and generosity of local business and the township all activities for the children will only be $2 per activity. We could have gone backward and scaled down our celebration but we’ve decided to make it better than ever, and I’m really looking forward to this year. Of course, an endeavor of this magnitude requires a lot of work, so anyone who would like to volunteer and help out even just for an hour or two is most welcome,” he said.
Support for School Projects
Under “Unfinished Business” the governing body considered a request from the Upper Township School District for help with three projects over the summer.
“We traditionally help them each summer because they help us in a number of ways including use of their facilities,” explained Dietrich. “This year they’ve requested our help on stuccoing the cafeteria, some engineering services from me and repaving their parking lot. I feel we can do the first two but because of our manpower issues and attrition due to retirement I recommend we decline the paving project,” he said. Committee agreed to respond.
Next Meeting Changed to June 20
Palombo announced that due to a number of scheduling conflicts the next committee meeting has been switched to June 20 from June 27 same time, 7:30 p.m. and same place, the Township Municipal Building. 
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.