To all who travel Route 55 South, the “Road to Nowhere,” heading to Cape May County and other southern New Jersey counties, and to vacationers from other states who contribute $7.7 billion annually to Cape May County’s economy:
Construction on Route 55 began in 1969, and after 55 years, it remains incomplete, failing to extend south to the town of Wildwood. The primary reasons for this delay are the opposition from Trenton legislators, local politicians, and the New Jersey Sierra Club. These legislators and local politicians, influenced by special interest groups that fund their campaigns, have consistently voted against this crucial extension.
The New Jersey state government has neglected the importance of completing Route 55. North Jersey is treated as the favorite child by Trenton politicians. If this highway were in North Jersey, it would have been completed decades ago. Tragically, had Route 55 been finished, there would have been significantly fewer head-on collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
Route 55 resembles the Garden State Parkway before overpasses were built. At one time, GSP had three traffic lights, including one at Stone Harbor Boulevard, which caused numerous fatalities, just like Route 347 and Route 47 today. It took the families of victims to embarrass and sue the state into action, eventually leading to the construction of overpasses. Now, even those who opposed the overpasses acknowledge that they were a crucial improvement.
Another fatality recently occurred on Route 347, a direct consequence of the unfinished Route 55 extension. These lost lives are irreplaceable, and their families are forever changed. Trenton politicians should be ashamed of the fatalities they have indirectly caused. The Route 55 extension needs to be completed now, before more families suffer the loss of their loved ones.
The New Jersey Sierra Club has expressed concerns about the impact on wildlife. However, other states have successfully built highways through sensitive areas, such as the Florida Everglades, by elevating the roads to protect wildlife. While this approach may increase costs, it is a necessary investment. As traffic has increased, we must balance human safety with wildlife conservation.
Route 55 extension plans have existed for years. Completing it would reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, bring jobs and businesses to Cape May County, and improve emergency evacuation routes, which is crucial given rising water levels and climate change concerns.
With elections approaching, it is vital to elect legislators and local politicians who will prioritize South Jersey. I urge readers to write or email the U.S. Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation at P.O. Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600. The time to act is now, and together we can finally complete Route 55 South.
DANIEL STANGO
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
