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MULLICA HILL -- Construction of a multi-phase, four-year project that
culminated in the completion of the Route 322 Bypass was celebrated today
at a ribbon cutting ceremony and hailed as a success by local officials,
residents and merchants.
Gloucester County Freeholder Director
Robert M. Damminger, Freeholder Deputy Director Giuseppe (Joe) Chila and
Freeholder Heather Simmons were joined by NJ Senate President Steve
Sweeney, Senator Don Norcross and Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo to cut
the ribbon and take the first official ride through the newly constructed
Route 322 Bypass. The bypass removes all through traffic on 322 from
traveling through downtown Mullica Hill and alleviates congestion in this
historic district.
This is a day for the history books
of Gloucester County, said Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger. When
we started this project Route 322 was dangerous, traffic studies showed
that the signals failed at every section in town, and local merchants in
the downtown suffered. It took a lot of determination to bring this
project to fruition and the board worked closely with the local officials,
residents and business owners to make this happen.
The feeling of traffic relief was
instantly felt in the summer of 2009 as we completed the first phase of
Route 322 improvements and opened the jug handle and connector road in
Richwood. There were a lot of naysayers before we began, but we continued
to show throughout the project that the end result would result in better
community for the residents of this region, stated NJ Senate President
Steve Sweeney.
Senate President Sweeney was the
Freeholder Director who was a steward of the project along with Damminger
until December of 2010. Freeholder Heather Simmons, liaison to the
Department of Economic Development and Public Works said that the 322
Bypass and entire project will continue to help promote the economic
vitality of downtown Mullica Hill.
Some highlights of the Route 322
improvements:
June 2009 - The Route 322 Phase I
Richwood improvements included the installation of the Jug Handle Road
between Route 322 and Lambs Road (CR 635), and the installation of the
Connector Road between Harrisonville Road (CR618) and Richwood Road
(CR609).
The project included widening on
Route 322 at both intersections with Lambs Road and Barnsboro Road.
Harrisonville Road was turned into a one-way away from the intersection at
Route 322, enabling more green time to be placed on Route 322 to
improve the traffic flow. The widening at the intersection Route 322 and
Barnsboro Road allows traffic get around vehicles making a turn at the
light.
June 2010 - The Richwood Phase II
Route 322 construction widened Route 322 to a five lane roadway (two in
each direction with a center turn lane). The widening runs from the
traffic signal at Lambs Road (CR 635) to just west of the traffic signal
at Barnsboro Road (CR 609). The two traffic signals were improved with
left hand turn arrows installed on the County Route approaches. Turn
lanes were constructed on Barnsboro Road and Lambs Road to improve the
left hand turn movements.
October 2010 Signalization of the
intersection of South Main Street (Route 45) with Mullica Road (also known
as old Route 322). The signal provided for Harmony Fire station to
pre-empt the signal so fire fighters can control the signal during
emergencies. New sidewalks and handicap ramps were also installed and the
radius on one of the corners was adjusted to provide for the crosswalks,
handicap ramps and improved truck turning movements. Stop bar striping
was placed to allow for truck turning movements.
October 2010 Resurfacing and safety
improvements from Richwood to the 322 Bypass
December 2010 - Phase I of the bypass
reconnected the existing alignment of Route 322 at the new signalized
intersection at Clems Run Road. A small section of this 1 ½ mile new road
will utilize a section of Walters Road.
April 2011 Resurfacing and safety
improvements to 322 from Woolwich Twp. line to Route 45
June 2011 Tomlin Station
Intersection Signalization and the widening of Route 322 and Tomlin
Station Roads to include left turn lanes on all approaches and a new
signal at this location, which allows for the safe controlled movement
through the intersection.
December 2011 Ground broken on
phase II of the bypass, including the realignment of Walters Road to allow
for better traffic flow and the construction of the 322 Bypass
January 2012 Ribbon Cutting and
Opening of the Route 322 Bypass
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