West Windsor officials continue to deliver on money for biking and walking.
For the second straight year, the proposed capital improvement program budgets $100,000 for crosswalk improvements, as the WWBPA had recommended. Moreover, the budget for the first time pencils in $100,000 annually for the following five years.
This part of the capital improvement program funds those yellow flashing lights activated by walkers, runners and cyclists with the touch of a button, like those near the train station. The WWBPA has been advocating for more of these around town to improve safety, and the township already plans to add some near schools and at Trolley Line Trail crossings. We will continue to update you on this.
The budget also includes $250,000 toward the next phase of the Cranbury Road sidewalk project, which will link Van Nest Park on Cranbury Road and the entrance to the Trolley Line Trail on Rabbit Hill Road. The township has yet to hire an engineering firm to handle the design work for the missing sidewalk sections, and the WWBPA will continue to monitor progress to keep this important project moving forward. Additional construction funds are penciled in for future years.
READ: Advocacy lessons from the Cranbury Road sidewalk project
The capital budget includes another $550,000 for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, some of which may be part of other projects. This comprises:
– $200,000 for the annual bicycle lane and bikeway extension program. Funds allocated in previous budget years are being used to pay for a path along Conover Road from Ginnie Lane to South Post Road going along Conover Field as well as a path along North Post Road from Village Road West to Woodhollow Road. Township officials are beginning to consider how that path could be extended to eventually reach Clarksville Road. The WWBPA will continue to monitor this.
– $200,000 for the annual sidewalk extensions program. This is separate from the Cranbury Road budget line.
– $150,000 for the annual sidewalk repair program.
And for road users…
The budget also includes $1.25 million for improvements to residential roads. Those tentatively anticipated to be funded in this round are Meadow Run Road, Harris Road, Tindall Trail, Bayberry Drive, Station Drive, Worchester Lane, Carlton Place, Benford Drive , Sutton Lane, Perry Drive, Jean Court and part of Washington Road.
Those expected to be funded in a year from now, also for $1.25 million, are Wycombe Way, Sherbrooke Drive, Suffolk Lane, Berkshire Drive, Sleepy Hollow Lane, Lincroft Lane, Dunbar Drive, Alice Court, Britt Court, Clausen Court, Horace Court and Deerfield Drive.
Another $750,000 is allocated to improve collector roads. This budget focuses on Village Road West from Quakerbridge Road to the west end of Windsor Ponds.
All these projects were discussed at a public budget workshop on Wednesday. The budget is expected to be introduced on April 7, and a public hearing and vote is tentatively scheduled for May 19.
The WWBPA thanks township officials for their support of additional biking and walking measures. Together we can make our community a safer and more inviting place for all who walk, run, bike and scoot.
Tags: bicycling, biking, budget, Capital Budget, walking