COLTS NECK – A new traffic roundabout aimed at reducing accidents at one of this township’s most dangerous intersections is nearing completion and should be open to vehicles in mid-May. While severe ice and snow conditions delayed construction during the winter, all work should be finished only a month later than originally planned, said Monmouth County Engineer Joseph Ettore.
The project, at the intersection of the once sleepy country intersection of Heulitt Road, Dutch Lane (County Route 46) and Crine Road (County Road 4), was approved last summer at a cost of $1,256,313, to be paid entirely by the county, which is overseeing the work. The design is similar to the roundabout at the Route 520 entrance to Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. Rather than flagpoles in the center, the Colts Neck roundabout will feature a large fir tree.
The intersection became increasingly problematic as the township grew, with school buses and drivers from other municipalities utilizing it to transverse the township. The roundabout was first proposed over eight years ago after a school bus accident there. Officials said there have been several serious, near fatal accidents since at that location, which is driven by as many as 3,600 vehicles per day. The nearby resident who first championed the roundabout, Cathi Trost, passed away several years ago.
There was some local opposition to the roundabout’s construction during public hearings last summer. Residents objected to the removal of large old trees; some called the roundabout “overkill.” Township Committeeman, lifelong resident and local farmer Thomas Orgo stated, “The problem is that people speed over the hill. How will they know the roundabout is there? They will look like the Dukes of Hazzard coming over the hill.” County officials testified the tree removal and road widening would improve sightlines.
After extensive study, the Monmouth County Division of Engineering prepared plans and specifications for the project that were approved by the Monmouth County Freeholders, the Colts Neck Township Committee and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The county negotiated with homeowners adjacent to the intersection to purchase additional property for the project.
“We looked at the circulation patterns and tested for all types of vehicles including school buses,” said Daria Jakimowska of the county engineering division. “Every single movement is available. It does work and I have the proof. Features are incorporated into the roundabout that forces drivers to slow down.” Ettore said construction of a modern roundabout will correct sub-standard geometry at Heulitt and Crine Roads where they cross Dutch Lane, adding the previous configuration “was not safe or efficient.”
Relocation of utilities at the site, originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014, was delayed by severe weather and finally finished on April 8 by Kiely Construction of Long Branch. The general contractor for the project is Earle Construction of Wall. Ettore said this project was designed so the relocation of existing utilities and all drainage work would be completed prior to the start of construction so work on the roundabout could proceed unimpeded after ward.
The roads leading into the roundabout have speeds of 40 and 45 miles per hour, which will not change. Once a vehicle enters the roundabout, it must proceed at 20 m.p.h., Ettore said, adding, “That’s why it’s considered traffic-calming. All traffic on all approaching roads must yield at the roundabout.” The intersection has been closed on and off during construction. Near the end of April, Ettore said periods of closure and detours will last another ten days so the final work can get done on time. The radius of the Colts Neck roundabout will be slightly larger than the one at Brookdale, he said.
— By Laura Kolnoski
