Assemblyman Calls for End to Route 1 Jughandle Pilot

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) Wednesday called for the end of the Route 1 pilot program at Washington Road and Harrison Street in West Windsor, saying the project intended to fix traffic congestion woes has generated even further problems by increasing illegal U-Turns and K-Turns in the Penns Neck neighborhood.

Both the Getty station at the corner of Washington Road and Route 1 and Sunoco station at the corner of Harrison Street and Route 1 have seen a decline in sales during the pilot program so far, he said.

"I certainly appreciate the difficulty of this task in addressing the congestion that has plagued the area for some time," Gusciora wrote in a letter to NJ DOT Commissioner James Simpson. "Notwithstanding, my main concern is the danger that this program is posing for the residents, and I must respectfully ask that you seriously consider the ramifications of this program and put a halt to the pilot’s existence."

Gusciora represented Princeton for many years in District 15 until Princeton moved into District 16 last year. 

Gusciora said numerous illegal U-Turns and K-Turns in the Penns Neck neighborhood mean an increased risk to the many pedestrians, cyclists, and children waiting for buses in the area.

“I understand DOT’s efforts to improve traffic, but it should not be at the expense of local residents,” Gusciora said. 

He instead supports building a tunnel underneath Washington Road to allow traffic on Route 1 to flow on Route 1.

“Since Washington Road is elevated, an underpass would properly alleviate traffic and allow vehicles to proceed below Washington Road from the direction of Harrison”, Gusciora said. “In the long run, it is a plan that will bring jobs and alleviate traffic congestion in the area.”  

Should the Route 1 pilot program be eliminated? Tell us in the comments.

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