Route 31, Section 8P
Hampton and Glen Gardner Boroughs
(Not available on map yet) ) Last Update: 09/23/2003

09/23/2003 UPDATE FROM THE NJDOT:
Preliminary Design is on partial hold as the designer has suspended certain activities pending outcome of a Smart Growth (SG) decision on progressing the project. UPdated accident data has been requested and is expected by 10/25/2003. Upon receipt of the Accident Report the designer will complete an analysis on developing alternatives for the project. The designer has initiated work on examining the consequences of reducing the northbound climbing lane. Elements of the project added at the request of the municipalities are being considered. Once this effort is done a presentation will be made to the SG I-Team. Then, a recommendation will be developed for the CPC Screening committee's review and approval on progressing the project. The schedule includes a tentative milestone for awarding the project by August 2005. Hampton officials have requested improvements to facilitate a crossing of Route 31 by school children and pedestrians. This is an especially sensitive issue after the fatality that occurred on 12/21/02. A meeting was held with Hampton officials and State Legislators on 01/06/03 to discuss options for accommodating a pedestrian crossing on Route 31. A pedestrian bridge or tunnel is not feasible due to the very low volume of users. The NJDOT committed to the following options to address pedestrians crossing the STate Highway:

1. The NJDOT will complete a study to determine if the posted speed limit can be reduced form 50 MPH;
2. The NJDOT will consider Hampton's request for a traffic signal at MCkenzie Road;
3. A request for an overhead lighting survey has been initiated within the NJDOT to determine if lighting is needed at a prospective crossing.

01/31/2003 UPDATE FROM THE NJDOT:
This project is about three months into the Preliminary Design Phase. The schedule includes a tentative milestone for awarding the project by August 2005. Hampton officials have requested improvements to facilitate a crossing of Route 31 by school children and pedestrians.This is an especially sensitive issue after the fatality that occurred on 12/21/02. A meeting was held with Hampton officials and State legislators on 1/6/03 to discuss options for accommodating a pedestrian crossing on Route 31. A pedestrian bridge or tunnel is not feasible due to the very low volume of users. The NJDOT committed to the following options to address pedestrians crossing the State Highway: 1) The NJDOT will complete a study to determine if the posted speed limit can be reduced from 50mph; 2) The NJDOT will consider Hampton's request for a traffic signal at Mackenzie Road; 3) A request for an overhead lighting survey has been initiated within the NJDOT to determine if lighting is needed at a prospective crossing.