Encouraged by the response to her recently announced initiative to spearhead immediate infrastructure improvements along the Northern Route 130 corridor, Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said today that the County and the region’s municipalities are partnering again to build upon their initial priorities and develop further solutions to improve traffic flow and quality of life impacts.
“I believe it is our responsibility to do everything we can to make sure our roads in Burlington County are as safe and congestion free as possible,” said Director Gibbs. “In order for that to happen, the County and our municipalities must continue to work side-by-side in a regional way so the impacts of proposed developments and necessary road improvements are timely evaluated and planned for collaboratively. I am pleased that through these new shared services agreements we will address these regional traffic issues in a way that improves the quality of life of our residents, while still ensuring Burlington County is an attractive place for job creation, economic growth, and property tax relief.”
During its meeting on Wednesday, the Board is expected to approve a resolution to enter into a shared services agreement with Burlington City, Burlington Township, Florence and Mansfield and jointly develop a comprehensive Northern Route 130 Circulation and Transportation Plan funded by the Burlington County Bridge Commission. The new plan will take into account current and future residential and non-residential growth within the region, current traffic data and future projections, and provide recommendations for road improvements with estimated costs. Additionally, the plan will serve as a basis for determining the fair share contributions developers will be required to make towards the traffic solutions.
“While we are thrilled by the region’s job growth and its positive impact on our property tax base, we must ensure that infrastructure improvements keep pace with development,” added Director Gibbs, who pointed out that the Northern Route 130 corridor is home to 6,000 employees and 12 million square feet of industrial space. “One month ago was the start of a new day as we took the first steps to bringing long awaited traffic relief to the region, while holding developers accountable for their adverse effects on our roads. I look forward to expanding that initiative and implementing further solutions."
Director Gibbs previously announced that the County is providing $10 million in funding to jumpstart improvements to Route 130 and Florence-Columbus Road and Route 130 and Cedar Lane intersections in Florence, and Dulty’s Lane in Burlington Township. At the same time, the County has mitigated the traffic impacts from the impending Amazon facility at the former U.S. Pipe and Foundry site by negotiating with the retailer and its landlord to change employee shifts outside of rush hour, and have a ready-to-implement menu of other traffic reduction options.
Burlington Township and Florence have adopted resolutions to participate in the circulation and transportation plan; Burlington City and Mansfield are expected to do the same in the near future.