Update: Route 9 to Get Pedestrian Safety Improvements

by Colleen Curry on December 18th, 2009 Comment

The New Jersey Department of Transportation will change the timing of traffic lights at the intersection of Route 9 and the Freehold Raceway Mall in order to increase pedestrian safety in the area, according to DOT spokesman Timothy Greely.

The intersection of Route 9 and Freehold Raceway Mall will see traffic light improvements to increase pedestrian safety.

The intersection of Route 9 and Freehold Raceway Mall will see traffic light improvements to increase pedestrian safety.

Following two stories and a host of complaints on our Fixer Upper Map about the lack of sidewalks on Route 9--particularly by the many bus stops in Freehold, Manalapan, and Howell-- the DOT acknowledged the danger posed to walkers on the major state highway.

"We know it's a problem area, there is a higher rate of pedestrian accidents around there," Greely said earlier this week.

In an email outlining the plan for improvements, the DOT confirmed that it would change the traffic light timing at the busy intersection in the near future, following a meeting with local police departments and officials--including Freehold Police--this past summer.IMG_2592

"We will continue to monitor the situation at other locations in Freehold, especially around bus stop areas, and work with local police to determine what, if any, further pedestrian safety improvements can be made."

Greely also pointed out that Route 9 falls under their recently adopted Complete Streets program, so that any construction or improvements of the roadway in the future will include sidewalks and pedestrian-safety measures.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, InJersey readers!