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SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Revised Agenda Monday, April 13, 2015 - 6:30 PM SJTPO Office 782 S. Brewster Road, Unit B6, Vineland, NJ 08361 (1) Call to Order (2) Pledge of Allegiance (3) Approval of Minutes from 3/9/15 (4) Reports from Chair and Vice-Chair (5) Presentation: David Heller, PP, AICP, SJTPO Team Leader SJTPO’s Regional Transportation Plan SJTPO is required to develop a long-range plan for a twenty year horizon and then update that plan every four years. SJTPO’s 2040 RTP was adopted on July 23, 2012 and SJTPO is starting the update process that will establish a vision, look at goals, policies and objectives, and identify future transportation strategies and projects that will be needed to achieve that vision. (6) CAC Updates o Resignation of Jeff Ridgway, Salem County representative o CAC Certificate Presentation Each CAC member will be presented with a Certificate of Membership in recognition of their membership in and contribution to the creation and continuance of SJTPO’s CAC. o Resolution for Pleasantville Pedestrian Bridge over the Atlantic City Expressway This resolution supports efforts to obtain funding and complete this project. o Resolution for US 40 at Dr. Dennis Forman Drive Safety Issue, Hamilton Township This resolution asks SJTPO to gather crash data and discuss possible improvements with NJDOT. o Resolution for Route 50 Safety Concerns , Hamilton Township This resolution asks SJTPO to discuss possible improvements with NJDOT. o Other Resolutions (time permitting) o SJTPO CAC Meeting Flyer- Prospective Distribution List Following up on a desire to increase awareness of the CAC and attendance at meetings, we have identified possible types of organizations and institutions to whom we would like to send the CAC Flyer, and potentially other CAC correspondence. SJTPO is seeking feedback on this list from the CAC. This list is attached. (7) Report on Federal Certification Review: Timothy Chelius, Executive Director (8) Upcoming SJTPO Meetings o Technical Advisory Committee, May 11, 2015, 10:00 AM, Vineland City Hall o Policy Board, May 26, 2015, 10:00 AM, Vineland City Hall (9) Next CAC Meeting: Monday, June 29, 2015, Cape May County, location TBD (10) CAC Member Comments (11) Public Comments (12) Adjournment

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Page 1: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

Revised Agenda Monday, April 13, 2015 - 6:30 PM

SJTPO Office 782 S. Brewster Road, Unit B6, Vineland, NJ 08361

(1) Call to Order (2) Pledge of Allegiance (3) Approval of Minutes from 3/9/15 (4) Reports from Chair and Vice-Chair (5) Presentation:

David Heller, PP, AICP, SJTPO Team Leader

• SJTPO’s Regional Transportation Plan

SJTPO is required to develop a long-range plan for a twenty year horizon and then update that plan every four years. SJTPO’s 2040 RTP was adopted on July 23, 2012 and SJTPO is starting the update process that will establish a vision, look at goals, policies and objectives, and identify future transportation strategies and projects that will be needed to achieve that vision.

(6) CAC Updates o Resignation of Jeff Ridgway, Salem County representative o CAC Certificate Presentation

Each CAC member will be presented with a Certificate of Membership in recognition of their membership in and contribution to the creation and continuance of SJTPO’s CAC.

o Resolution for Pleasantville Pedestrian Bridge over the Atlantic City Expressway This resolution supports efforts to obtain funding and complete this project.

o Resolution for US 40 at Dr. Dennis Forman Drive Safety Issue, Hamilton Township This resolution asks SJTPO to gather crash data and discuss possible improvements with NJDOT.

o Resolution for Route 50 Safety Concerns, Hamilton Township This resolution asks SJTPO to discuss possible improvements with NJDOT.

o Other Resolutions (time permitting) o SJTPO CAC Meeting Flyer- Prospective Distribution List

Following up on a desire to increase awareness of the CAC and attendance at meetings, we have identified possible types of organizations and institutions to whom we would like to send the CAC Flyer, and potentially other CAC correspondence. SJTPO is seeking feedback on this list from the CAC. This list is attached.

(7) Report on Federal Certification Review: Timothy Chelius, Executive Director (8) Upcoming SJTPO Meetings

o Technical Advisory Committee, May 11, 2015, 10:00 AM, Vineland City Hall o Policy Board, May 26, 2015, 10:00 AM, Vineland City Hall

(9) Next CAC Meeting: Monday, June 29, 2015, Cape May County, location TBD (10) CAC Member Comments (11) Public Comments (12) Adjournment

Page 2: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

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SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 9, 2015 - 6:30 PM

Pleasantville City Hall

(1) Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order by BC. In attendance were: Bob Campbell, Chairperson, Richard Morton, Vice-Chairperson, Jacqueline Amado-Belton, Kevin Dixon, Rodney Guishard, David Heller, SJTPO, and Tim Chelius, SJTPO. On the phone were: Tom Garrett and Nancy Ridgway.

DH thanked JAB for hosting the meeting.

(2) Pledge of Allegiance

BC asked everyone to stand and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

(3) Approval of Minutes from 11/24/14

The CAC approved the minutes with the addition of RG in attendance.

(4) Report from Chair and Vice-Chair

No report.

(5) Presentation: The City of Pleasantville’s Pedestrian Bridge over the Atlantic City Expressway, by Jim Rutala, Rutala Associates, LLC.

Rutala introduced himself and explained that he does grant work and planning work as an independent contractor. He displayed a map of the area (attached) and gave a brief history of the project to bring the group up to date.

In 1996 the site of the current Atlantic City High School was selected. It is a great site with lots of open space but it also created a safety issue for the children that live within walking distance, requiring them to cross the Atlantic City Expressway.

In 1997 a planning study by the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and the City of Pleasantville (City) recommended new ramps off interchange 5 of Atlantic City Expressway for access to and from the west and a pedestrian bridge to connect the high school with area neighborhoods. The study was adopted and two years later the ramps were constructed by SJTA and the City and SJTA submitted a joint grant application to the state to fund the pedestrian bridge. It was not supported and the pedestrian bridge was never built.

Over the last three years, the City and SJTA have been in talks and agree the pedestrian bridge is needed and have been seeking funding for the construction. They have talked to Congressman

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LoBiondo and Senator Whelan and NJDOT. An application was made to the State for Transportation Alternative (TA) funding. It included the request to use the sides of the pedestrian bridge for advertising, similar to a billboard, to fund the local portion. The application was denied because advertising is not permitted when using federal funds.

Two years ago, the City did a city wide bike plan, to connect Ocean City with Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield and Pleasantville. However, the bike path cannot go north through Pleasantville because of the Atlantic City Expressway. One idea is to incorporate bike use on the pedestrian bridge. There is a meeting with NJDOT Commissioner Fox who is also SJTA Chairman about this concept.

In conversations since, the legislators and NJDOT have said if we could get leverage funding for the project they would get the remaining funding needed.

Some positives about this project are that the right of ways are public, elevation is not a concern and handicapped adaptations are not needed. After completion there would be less bussing, a positive impact on air quality and increased safety for the children. The negative is the cost, between $2 and $3 million. Those costs are from a study generously completed by NJDOT last year.

JAB emphasized the safety aspect, saying there are 100’s of kids walking along Route 9, on the shoulder and in the roadway. She explained that it is an old neighborhood and the sidewalks are too narrow and that the speed is 45 mph. She said they are trying to be proactive before someone is killed. She talked about Billows Electric’s new facility at Exit 5 and their efforts to erect a traffic light after seeing the volume of kids walking past their property and being concerned. It was denied.

RG asked why the cost was so high. Rutala responded that it is a free span bridge, similar to the one SJTA erected at Pleasantville Tolls so the toll workers didn’t have to cross through the traffic.

RG then asked about crash history and JAB said there have not been any fatalities but a lot of close calls. Rutala said the City had an outside consultant do a bike and pedestrian plan and identified this area as the highest concentration of accidents.

RM wanted to know how many pedestrian bridges have been built since they have been working on this. He also wanted to know if there was a template or an example of another pedestrian bridge over a 65 mph roadway. Rutala suggested that the bridge over the Garden State Parkway for Middle Township High School students would be similar.

RM wanted to know if the school board was in agreement with building the pedestrian bridge and JAB said they were in favor and supported the project. BC asked TC for guidance. TC said he was aware that the City had applied for both the Transportation Alternative Program and Safe Routes to School Program funding but that the programs are extremely competitive with 15 to 20 applications for every $1 awarded and that applicants who weren’t successful can request a de-briefing and re-apply.

Page 4: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

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Rutala asked about Congestion Management Air Quality (CMAQ) funding. TC said the pedestrian bridge would qualify for that and SJTPO has a $1.9 million allocation per year and the grant period is currently open. TG asked about reducing the speed on Route 9. JAB said that it is a state road and out of the City’s jurisdiction. Rutala said that NJDOT won’t reduce the speed because it would reduce the service level of the road and because it is an urban arterial and on a national highway system. BC wanted to know what the CAC role is regarding this. TC suggested a resolution by CAC supporting the project, requesting a speed limit study and that SJTA build the bridge. RG suggested producing a video to show the problem and submit it with the application. BC asked Rutala to provide an outline of the program and bullet points and CAC will add to it and write a letter to SJTA and track progress issues and concerns. The CAC voted to support the project and produce supporting documents. Presentation: SJTPO’s Transportation Improvement Plan, by Tim Chelius, SJTPO Executive Director.

TC thanked the group for their participation and efforts.

TC explained that the TIP is the capital program and one of the core documents. It is the federally required document adopted every year. It shows the direction SJTPO is taking and reflects the priorities of the region. The SJTPO’s basic mission is to decide on the distribution of surface transportation funds for highway improvement, bridge, intersection, congestion management, air quality, and even Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) and Safe Routes to School Program projects.

TC directed everyone to Table 1 in the handout packet (attached). It shows the funding categories, in millions for Fiscal Years 2014 to 2023. It is a consensus of NJDOT, NJT, the 3 MPOs and FHWA, including Federal, Transportation Trust Fund, Match Funds and Other, which is Authorities, including SJTA and the Port Authority of NY and NJ. Table 2 shows figures by individual programs including CMAQ we talked about earlier. The FHWA STP-SJTPO line is what SJTPO gets each year for the region. This is what we truly control. Table 4 shows NJT funds and is substantial at $12 million.

TC explained that in order to get federal funding for a project it has to be in the TIP.

BC thanked TC for the presentation.

(6) Issues and Concerns Submission Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this one in particular is a serious safety concern. It is Route 50, in Laureldale, from Holly Street to Route 322 (MP 21.3 to 24.4). There have been

Page 5: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

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242 accidents with 16 fatalities and 156 injuries between 2003 and 2013. There is just too much traffic and too many intersections and a high rate of speed. There are also many crashes with animals. RM requested more documentation from local and state police suggesting that they have probably already looked at this. TC said that Route 50 is a state road and suggested that the CAC adopt a resolution asking SJTPO’s TAC and Policy Board to look into this. He went on to say that the SJTPO could run crash data from Plan 4 Safety and open a dialogue with Tom Wospil at NJDOT in anticipation of board action in May. Hamilton Township Board of Education Safety Concerns – BC talked about Oakcrest High School and Davies Middle School exiting onto George Foreman Drive and in turn exiting onto Route 40. This makes it difficult for the buses to leave George Foreman Drive so they put on their red flashing lights to stop traffic causing even longer backups and delays. BC is going to talk to the school board and superintendent and gather more information.

(7) CAC Updates

Resignations of Bob Barr, Cape May County representative and Mike Clemente, Atlantic County representative

BC acknowledged both resignations and said that they had a resume from John Campbell Jr. for the Cape May County seat and that he had a name for the Atlantic County seat. BC asked for direction from TC. TC said that he has notified the respective SJTPO Policy Board representatives about the openings and forwarded John Campbell Jr.’s resume for consideration.

NR requested that thank you letters to go Mr. Barr and Mr. Clemente thanking them for their service.

DH said that Jeff Ridgway sent an email requesting that the CAC find a replacement for him. BC said they would address that when they receive a letter of resignation from him.

Project Query Report – BC thanked DH for compiling and tracking these items and asked that the Pleasantville Pedestrian Bridge be added.

SJTPO CAC Meeting Flyer – Prospective Distribution List – Not addressed

Issues and Concerns Form – Not addressed

2015 Meeting Dates – BC said that he, RG and JH all have conflicts with the 4th Monday. NR suggested the months that have a 5th Monday and they are June, August and November in 2015. The group agreed. The next meeting was originally set for March 23 but because of the snow date and rescheduling of the Jan 29 to March 9 it was decided the March 23 meeting was not needed. DH will query the group for the next meeting date and approval of the 5th Monday for the remainder of the year.

Page 6: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

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(8) MPO Updates

FY 2016 Local Safety Program – Not addressed

FY 2016 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) – Not addressed

TransAction Conference – BC asked TC to talk about this. TC said that SJTPO would pay the registration for three CAC members. Those three are BC, RM and JAB. TC told DH to get the necessary forms to the individuals.

(9) Upcoming SJTPO Meetings

TAC March 9 and SJTPO Policy Board March 23

(10) Next CAC Meeting - To be determined.

(11) CAC Comments BC said he attended the TAC meeting to update them on CAC progress and two resignations and suggested that the CAC members seek representatives for their respective counties. BC asked TC about the committees established by the TAC earlier today. TC said they are selection committees for our technical studies and right now they are RTP, sign management and data collection and CMAQ and safety programs. BC told the group that he was going to learn more about this because he volunteered for the Traffic Sign Selection Committee. RM said that he saw the announcement about the CAC created by DH but never saw it in the newspaper. RG said that with three people leaving the CAC it might be wise to look at having alternates. RM agreed.

(12) Public Comments - None

(13) Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM ACTION ITEMS

1. (DH) Adjust minutes to include Rodney Guishard 2. (a). Jim Rutala/Jackie to prepare resolution and/or letter of support for CAC approval in support

of Pleasantville High School Pedestrian Bridge (b). (JR)—Supplement TA application with pedestrian counts, include as part of resolution (?)

3. (BC) More detailed write-up, summary of safety issue at Rt. 50 MP 21-24 in Hamilton Twp. Ask SJTPO to follow up with possible recommendations, solutions. Possible resolution to TAC, then Policy Board.

Page 7: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

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4. (BC) to provide more details from School Board on high school, elementary school buses blocking traffic on Route 40.

5. DH to send Bob Barr, and Mike Clemente a letter thanking them for their service. 6. DH/TC to receive resume/letter of interest from Nelson Gaskill. TC forward to Freeholder Will

Pauls. 7. David H to prepare Doodle poll for meetings for remainder of calendar year. 8. (Nancy Hammer/Monica/Alan)--Certificate saying they are members

Page 8: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Regional Transportation Plan

SJTPO Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

April 13, 2015

SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Page 9: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Existing RTP--http://www.sjtpo.org/RTP.html

Page 10: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

What is purpose of RTP? • Serves as official plan for SJTPO region and

guides the region’s transportation decision-making for at least the next 20 years.

• Provides basis for coordinated transportation planning around the region and identifies future needs so more detailed studies may take place

• Includes assessment of both existing transportation system and future transportation needs as well as opportunities and strategies for improvement.

Page 11: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Required by Federal law—23 CFR §450.324 • The metropolitan transportation planning

process shall include the development of a transportation plan addressing no less than a 20-year planning horizon…

• The MPO shall review and update the transportation plan at least every 4 years…to confirm the transportation plan’s validity and consistency with current and forecasted transportation and land use conditions and trends and to extend the forecast period to at least a 20-year planning horizon…

Page 12: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Contents of RTP • The plan shall include both long-range and short-

range program strategies/actions that lead to the development of an integrated multimodal transportation system…to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in addressing current and future transportation demand.

• All projects in TIP must be consistent with the RTP.

• Financial Plan—Demonstrates how transportation plan can be implemented.

Page 13: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

2040 Regional Transportation Plan Update

(7/2016 Adoption)

Demographic Projections—CRBR –2011 (Approved by Policy Board 3/2012) -Possible 2015 Update

Air Quality Conformity (7/2016 Adoption)

2015 EJ Update --(3/2015 Adoption)*

Visioning/Scenario Planning Exercise- (from FY 2016 UPWP)

*Anticipated **Specific measures and targets will depend on date Metropolitan Planning Rule (23 CFR Part 450) is promulgated.

2040 RTP Performance Report (3/2015 Adoption)*

Already done

To be done

KEY

Congestion Management Process (CMP) Activity Report

Other Management System Reports [Pavement, Safety, Signs, Bridges, Goods Movement, Bike/Ped, Smart Growth(?)]

SJTPO Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, June, 2014

Financial Plan

NJ ITS Architecture Update—”The Connected Corridor” (6/2015)*

Human Service Transportation—

including HSTP, JARC, Section 5310

(6/2015)*

H:\SJTPO\Planning\RTPs\RTP 2040 Update (2016)\Diagram2.pptx

Scenarios for RTP

Performance Measures and Targets**: (Safety, Pavement, Bridge)

Performance Measures and Targets**: (Congestion)

Page 14: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Proposed Schedule—2040 RTP Update FY 2014 (7/1/13-6/30/14) FY 2015 (7/1/14-6/30/15) FY 2016 (7/1/15-6/30/16) FY 2017 (7/1/16-6/30/17) Tasks Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2040 Regional Transportation Plan--Performance Report * Prepare/Discuss Plan Outline, Format Finalize Plan Outline, Format Reassess Goals Update Demographic Projections (?)

Congestion Management Process:

(a). Updated CM Process *

(b). Updated CMP Performance Report Other Updated System Performance Reports:

--Pavement, Bridge, Safety, Bike/Ped, Freight, Smart Growth(?)

--ITS Plan (Connected Corridor)

--SHSP?

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecast/Mitigation Plan1,2

Environmental Justice Plan Update Regional Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan Freight Section/Perf Report Solicit projects from TAC, CAC Financial Plan, including projections

Scenario Development-Visioning/Pre-RTP Public Meetings--including CAC?2

Run Scenarios2

Refine, Possibly Rerun Scenarios2

Writing of Plan--Include Spanish version

Air Quality Conformity Determination(2?) * Release of initial Draft--to TAC, CAC * Release of Draft RTP/Conformity to Public * Public Comment Period Public Meeting #1 *

CAC Meeting *

Public Meeting #2 * RTP Adoption ∗

KEY: * Key Milestone 1 Tentative 2 Requires UPWP funding/(Technical Support)

Complete Not yet complete In progress

Page 15: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Pedestrian Bridge over the Atlantic City Expressway

City of Atlantic City Atlantic County, New Jersey

Intersection of Mill Road& A.C. Expressway

Atlantic City Expressway

Mill

Road

Mill

Road

U.S.

Rou

te 9

MARATHON ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

2922 ATLANTIC AVENUESUITE 3A

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 08401 RUT 002.011:2,400

Aerial PhotographySource:

Scale: 2007 NJOIT Orthophotography

Page 16: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Township of Hamilton (Atlantic) Route 322 & McKee Avenue – This heavily traveled intersection is situated at the line between Hamilton Township and Egg Harbor Township. It funnels traffic between both townships to many popular destinations including:

• Atlantic City International Airport • Atlantic City Race Course • Hamilton Mall • Consumer Square Shopping Center • Hamilton Commons Shopping Center • The Festival Shopping Center • Super Walmart • English Creek Shopping Center • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia • Atlanticare Medical Park • A substantial number of local businesses, office complexes, and residential neighborhoods

Because of such heavy traffic, the intersection at Route 322 & McKee Avenue easily becomes congested, in part due to the awkward timing of the traffic light. The current timing makes it particularly difficult for vehicles on McKee Avenue northbound to turn left onto Rt. 322 westbound – only a handful of vehicles can make the turn before the light turns red again, and for a substantial portion of the day, traffic often moves at a glacial pace through the intersection. The NJDOT notified us on July 18, 2014 that they had concluded a Corridor Study for Rt. 40/322 in Hamilton Township, Egg Harbor Township, and Pleasantville. The study identified six problem areas and suggested several improvements to address the problems.

Page 17: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Township of Hamilton (Atlantic)

Route 40 & New York Avenue – The Route 40 and New York Avenue intersection poses similar challenges. Thousands of motorists pass through here to reach nearby destinations such as:

• Hamilton Industrial Park • US Post Office • Atlantic County Justice Facility • IRS Building • Motor Vehicles Inspection Station • Atlantic Cape Community College • Atlantic County Institute of Technology • Atlantic County Special Services School • Oakcrest High School • William Davies Middle School • Businesses in Downtown Mays Landing • Atlantic County Courthouse • Lake Lenape and surrounding County and municipal facilities • A substantial number of local businesses, office complexes, and residential neighborhoods

It is very difficult for motorists on New York Avenue northbound to turn left onto Route 40 westbound, because the length of the green light allows only enough time for 3 or 4 vehicles to make the turn before it changes back to red. Consequently, traffic on New York Avenue is backed up considerably, which creates extensive delays and frustrates motorists.

Page 18: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Township of Hamilton (Atlantic)

Intersection of Route 40 & CR 559 (Sugar Hill Intersection) – Known as the “Sugar Hill” or “Gaskill Point” Intersection , along the Great Egg Harbor River. The crossroads are:

• Route 40 – Eastbound traffic to all of the locations listed above for Rt. 40 and New York Avenue; Westbound traffic to points west on Route 40 (Salem, Cumberland, and Gloucester Counties, Delaware) and Route 50 southbound (Cape May County and shore points).

• CR 559 (River Road) - Southbound motorists are heading for surrounding communities such as Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, and shore points (Ocean City and South).

• Main Street - Carries motorists to businesses in Downtown Mays Landing, the Atlantic County Courthouse, Lake Lenape, surrounding County and municipal facilities, and Route 50 northbound (Burlington County).

• Old Egg Harbor Road – Offset from Sugar Hill, Old Egg Harbor Road (OEH) is home to the Underhill Park Sports Complex and the Woods Landing development. OEH intersects Route 40 just beyond the traffic light; this makes it essentially impossible to turn left onto Route 40, causing extensive backups from OEH (particularly during sporting events).

• Atlantic Avenue – Atlantic Avenue intersects CR 559 just south of Sugar Hill, an alternate route to and from the Industrial Park, post office, Justice Complex, schools, etc. There is another traffic light at this awkwardly-arranged and confusing intersection.

Sugar Hill long ago outgrew its ability to cope with the increasing number of vehicles that pass through this intersection on a daily basis. Heavy equipment and trucks continually damage the road and bridge, putting property and safety at risk.

Page 19: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Township of Hamilton (Atlantic)

Route 50 – A disturbing number of crashes have occurred within this section of Rt. 50 in recent years, including 6 fatalities since 2010. This portion of Rt. 50 is a straight, long run of highway, with no traffic lights that would cause drivers to slow down. There are a number of cross streets in the area, and a significant portion of the accidents on this road have involved motorists pulling out from side streets onto Rt. 50 and hitting, or being hit by, vehicles traveling on Rt. 50. The road is heavily wooded on both sides, making it difficult for motorists to see vehicles entering the roadway from the side streets. We believe that six deaths and a multitude of accidents in this corridor makes it a high priority to the Township as well as to the State. From 2010 until 2013, there were 6 fatalities in this 2.2-mile stretch of Route 50; there were a total of 17 fatalities in Hamilton Township during the same time period. Of the Township's 116 square miles, the 6 deaths on Route 50 equals 40% of our total fatalities in one small area. In July 2013, we were notified that the State designated the entire length of Route 50 to be a “no passing” zone. While we appreciate the effort, it still remains that conditions on Route 50 are extremely dangerous, as evidenced by two very serious accidents in June 2014 that sent five people to the hospital. Creating a “no passing” zone does not solve the safety issues caused by excessive speed, multiple uncontrolled intersections, and visibility concerns. The Township's primary goal in requesting appropriate traffic studies by the NJDOT in this area (and the subsequent implementation of appropriate traffic calming improvements) is to reduce the number of crashes, serious injuries and fatalities in this stretch of road.

Page 20: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

Township of Hamilton (Atlantic)

Route 40/ Route 50/Mill Street Intersection – This intersection is located on Route 40 near the CVS Shopping Center (the Lukoil gas station is on the corner). The existing timing creates a lengthy delay for motorists and has caused a significant number of crashes. In March 2013, we wrote to the NJDOT with this request; in May 2013, we received a response from Anthony Attanasio of the NJDOT, advising that the request had been forwarded to the Traffic Engineering representatives so they could add it to the queue. In the meantime, another issue with this intersection has come to our attention. Vehicles are attempting to simultaneously turn onto Route 40 eastbound at this intersection from both Route 50 northbound (turning right) and Mill Street southbound (turning left), creating a disastrous situation. It has been suggested that this risk could be reduced by the addition of a “right-turn” arrow signal for vehicles traveling on Route 50 northbound turning onto Route 40 eastbound. In July 2014 we sent a follow-up email to Scott Stephens of the NJDOT (Community & Constituent Relations); Mr. Stephens indicated that the Township could make a request for a review of the light timing by sending a letter of request from a Township official, but that that letter must include “a commitment to the NJDOT’s cost-sharing agreement where the town would be responsible for 25% of any costs that may be involved.”

Page 21: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

OTHER RESOLUTIONS

1504-04 Route 40, Route 50 and Mill Street, Township of Hamilton 1504-05 Sugar Hill Circle, Route 40, Route 617 and Route 559, Township of Hamilton 1504-06 Route 40 and New York Avenue, Township of Hamilton 1504-07 McKee Avenue at Route 322, Township of Hamilton 1504-08 Cologne Avenue at Route 322, Township of Hamilton 1504-09 Hamilton Commons Drive at Route 322, Township of Hamilton 1504-10 Lake Lenape Dam, Township of Hamilton

Page 22: SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ......Hamilton Township Safety and Transportation Request – RG said that even though there are many issues and concern in Hamilton Township this

4/14/15

SJTPO CAC Meeting Flyer—Prospective Distribution List Types of Institutions and Organizations

Types of Organizations/Institutions

Specific Job Titles/Organization Names

County Driving Schools Educational Institutions Engineering and Planning Firms Hospitals Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers Media Minority Organizations Municipalities State of New Jersey

Freeholders, Various Departments (Public Works, Public Safety, Sheriff), Libraries High Schools, Middle Schools, Elementary Schools, Colleges Emergency, Trauma, Maternity, Auxiliary, Foundations Newspaper, Access 1 (new TV40 Spring or Summer 2015) Inspira, Puerto Rican Action Committee, Hispanic Alliance, NAACP Elected Officials, Employees, Police, Fire, Rescue, Senior Centers NJDOT, NJ Transit, State Police, Assembly and Senate