Dear Neighbor:
I hope this letter finds you well.
I want to provide an update on the ongoing construction along the Route 70 corridor in the Brookmeade, Barclay Farm and Kingston sections of town. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has been diligently working to complete utility and storm drainage upgrades in these area and are now prepared to implement a new work zone.
Over the next several days, you may notice that the center grass island is being removed and temporarily paved. This is a temporary measure and will be removed once the reconstruction of both the eastbound and westbound lanes is complete. The project does not consist of any roadway widening.
After thorough discussions with the NJDOT, we have confirmed that immediately following the center island paving there will be an eastbound lane shift. This means that all traffic will be redirected from the current roadway to the newly constructed center paved lanes. Additionally, all Brookmeade and Barclay Farm local roadways, from Kings Highway to NJSH Route 295, will be closed at their intersection with Route 70, with the exception of West Gate Drive, Pine Valley Road and Covered Bridge Road. Route 70 eastbound traffic will continue through this corridor on the temporary center island bypass lanes. To navigate around the construction, local traffic will need to utilize Kings Highway, West Gate Road and Covered Bridge Road as the designated detour routes to your community. Please note that the road closures on Route 70 are considered 'soft' closures, allowing access for emergency services (police, fire, and EMT) from Route 70.
Westbound lanes will remain in their current alignment. The left turn lane into the Barclay Shopping Center will remain open but left turns into Sawmill road will be restricted with a hard closure. There will be no impact to Kingston Drive.
The upcoming work on the eastbound side will involve tree removals, installation of a new water main, new curb and sidewalk construction, isolated drainage improvements, and excavation and replacement of the roadway. The contractor, R.E. Pierson, will work closely with individual homes and businesses that front Route 70 to ensure access on a daily basis. This phase of the project is expected to last approximately 6 months.
Throughout this construction period, I along with Township Council will continue to advocate for your community and all affected Cherry Hill neighborhoods. Our goal is to minimize the impact of the construction and provide advanced notification whenever possible. I understand that this construction may cause inconveniences and disruptions to both homeowners and businesses. I remain committed to representing our community’s interest as this project progresses.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please you can contact the New Jersey Department of Transportation at (609) 963-1989 or reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Mayor Susan Shin Angulo