Thank you to all those who emailed NJDOT and local officials about the Clarksville Road bridge replacement over the railroad lines at Meadow Road. We were certainly heard!
As we noted in our letter back in December, the WWBPA likes some of the concept plan – but wants to see a multi-use path on all sides of the project at Clarksville and Meadow roads, not just on the northbound side. Right now there is no multi-use path or even a sidewalk envisioned for the southbound side.
While we haven’t been told that a multi-use path on all sides of the proposed bridge and roundabout is being added, the letter we received does note that “the project is currently in the Concept Development (CD) Phase and therefore modifications and refinements to the [preliminary preferred alternative] can be made during the subsequent design phases.”
In addition, NJDOT said it would support a reduction in the speed limit there (though it doesn’t have the power to make the change.)
We will continue pushing for these changes and will let you know when we next need you to add your voice! Construction is still many years away so there is still time to make this project work for those who wish to walk or bike.
Here’s what we were told:
“In regards to the western bridge face and northern border mutli-use paths; this will be further considered during the Preliminary Engineering (PE) Phase. The Department, in coordination with the PE designer, will coordinate with Mercer County, West Windsor Township, and the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance on accommodating this request.
“In regards to the extension of the multi-use paths to the Avalon Complex and any adjacent County and/or Townships projects; the Department will coordinate with the local authorities for appropriate “tie-ins” as these projects advance. The extension of the mutli-use path along the southeastern portion of Clarksville Road, the northwestern portion of Clarksville Road, and Meadow Road are all width-restricted by adjacent county-owned structures (County Bridge #721.3, County Bridge #721.12, and County Bridge #721.2 respectively). The extension of the multi-use path would require the replacement or widening of these structures by the County.
“In regards to reduction in regulatory speed to 35 mph; the Department does not have jurisdiction to lower the regulatory speed on Clarksville Road or Meadow Road. The Township, in coordination with the County, would have to implement this speed reduction. The Department would support this speed reduction to further enhance safety through this corridor.”
You can read the full response to our letter here.
Tags: bicycling, bike safety, biking, Complete Streets, pedestrian, safety, walking