The Harrison Township Committee provided updates on recent traffic issues that have plagued the town during its July 15 meeting.
One concerned making a left turn from Lambs Road onto Route 322, where a Wawa is located. The issue there stems from the confusion of drivers on Richwood-Aura Road. The county recently evaluated the situation and its findings were discussed at the meeting.
“Though the findings did not reach the required standard for a realignment, the county is taking steps to mitigate the existing issue,” said Mullica Hill Mayor Louis Manzo. “The left turn movement from Lambs Road onto Route 322 triggers confusion when facing the oncoming traffic from Aura Road, because of the ‘angle’ of the road.
“Therefore, the county will adjust the timing of the traffic light, allow the left turn movement from (Richwood)-Aura Road to be ‘protected,'” he added, “meaning they (the county) will have a green arrow light added to the signal. They will also add new yellow- painted turning lane lines and repaint the existing white lines in the intersection.”
Another traffic issue also involves Route 322. A number of accidents over the last year near the eastbound lane entrance to the Cider Press Estates development have involved vehicles repeatedly hitting the same utility pole.
Harrison Police Chief Ronald Cundey conducted an investigation and revealed his findings during the committee meeting.
“He (Cundey) believes the repaving of Route 322 by the state, which included new lane striping, may be a contributing factor,” Manzo explained. “He is forwarding his evaluation to the county for review and we hope to have their feedback shortly.”
The committee also announced that $900,000 worth of state grants will help pay for street repaving throughout the township – specifically Williamson Lane and Woodland Avenue – and for placement of guardrails around Mullica Hill.
“Our township administrator, Dennis Chambers, updated us on ongoing paving and sinkhole repair projects in town that continue, and cost estimates to repair our Willowbrook development,” Manzo noted.
“Bids have been received for that project and the options will be decided upon for that project to move forward this year.”
The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m.
