Friday, May 20, 2005

Levinson Announces Egg Harbor Township Intersection Improvements

County Executive Dennis Levinson has announced a proposed intergovernmental agreement with Egg Harbor Township that will result in intersection improvements to Ocean Heights Avenue and Swift Drive.

"These improvements will greatly enhance the flow of traffic and the safety of motorists in this heavily trafficked area that provides access to two schools, a county library branch and youth recreation fields," stated Levinson.

The Board of Freeholders is scheduled to vote on a resolution on May 24 that amends a prior resolution passed in November 2001 by expanding the scope of the original design to include the widening of Ocean Heights Avenue to accommodate turning lanes of a length and width that meet New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) standards and the installation of a traffic signal. The first phase of the project involved an improvement to Swift Drive that has been completed. Swift Drive is the sole entrance for both the Slaybaugh and Swift elementary schools and also provides access to the Atlantic County Library.

Freeholder Frank Finnerty said that he was pleased to see that the permitting roadblocks had been resolved and that the project was moving ahead. "It will definitely make this section of road safer," he said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Egg Harbor Township acts as the lead agency and the cost of the project, involving a county intersection and a municipal road, is evenly shared between the county and the township.

Levinson noted that this is the first county intersection project in which the municipality has served as the lead agency. "This agreement exemplifies the effectiveness of intergovernmental cooperation. I commend the township for its support and cooperation in addressing the needs of our residents."

The original contract was for $120,000. This resolution will add an additional $360,000 for completion of the second phase.

For more information, please contact Howard Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2223.

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