As part of Burlington County’s recently announced initiative to spearhead immediate infrastructure improvements along the Northern Route 130 corridor, Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs and Florence Township Mayor Craig Wilkie today announced that the municipality is moving forward with acquiring the land necessary for the planned upgrades to the troubled Florence-Columbus Road and Route 130 intersection. When completed, the improvements will greatly enhance traffic flow and the quality of life for residents in the region, the two elected officials said today.
“I am so grateful for the mayor and council’s willingness to partner in this critical initiative,” said Freeholder Director Gibbs. “Working together will greatly speed relief for our residents.”
During its public meeting Wednesday evening, the Florence Township Council voted unanimously to introduce a $3.5 million bond ordinance to fund its anticipated land acquisition costs towards improving the intersection, which is used routinely by tractor trailers connecting with I-295. While the County takes the lead on designing and constructing the road upgrades, the Township has agreed to acquire the land needed to accommodate the redesigned intersection.
“The council and I share in the frustration of our residents who have been impacted by the mounting volume of traffic in our region, particularly at the heavily traveled Florence-Columbus Road and Route 130 intersection,” said Mayor Wilkie. “While I am thrilled to work alongside the county to jointly address this roadway, I will continue to look to find ways to bring further traffic relief to our residents.”
The County intends to provide additional capacity at the intersection for current and future traffic by building a new, separate ramp onto Route 130 north from Florence-Columbus Road, while reconstructing the existing jughandle around the cemetery to allow for easier flow and merging onto the county road. Additionally, the County plans to add a second left turn lane onto Route 130 south and provide a dedicated through lane to Delaware Avenue. The project will be funded with $9 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund and be supplemented with required obligations from private developers.
Freeholder Director Gibbs previously announced that the County is providing $10 million to jumpstart improvements to the 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 entered into a shared services agreement with Burlington City, Burlington Township, Florence Township and Mansfield Township to develop further traffic relief solutions and jointly plan for current and future residential and non-residential growth.
It is anticipated that Florence Township will adopt the bond ordinance during their Wednesday, September 18, 2018 public meeting.