In 2025, Hopewell Township will see at least three significant traffic safety improvements. These critical upgrades are the result of cooperation and work by all levels of government. First, the Hopewell Township Committee is partnering with Mercer County for a new four-way stop at the intersection of Pennington-Harbourton Road and Scotch Road/Burd Road, along with a reduced speed limit on Pennington-Harbourton Road.
Next, we are working closely with the State to secure a long-awaited traffic light at the intersection of Route 31 and Ingleside Ave. Finally, the township is in the process of implementing several safety upgrades at the intersection of Pennington-Titusville Road and Scotch Road, including a four-way stop and reduced speed limits.
Pennington-Harbourton and Scotch/Burd
Last month the HTC passed two resolutions supporting Mercer County’s critical safety improvements at the intersection of Pennington-Harbourton Road (County Route 623) and Scotch Road/Burd Road. These improvements come at the urging of the HTC in response to a fatal crash at this intersection and are part of an ongoing effort to enhance road safety and prevent future incidents.
The county will establish a 4-way stop at the intersection, ensuring safer conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. Currently, only traffic traveling on Burd/Scotch Rd is required to stop, while traffic on Pennington Harbourton Road does not have a stop sign. Further, the speed limit along Pennington-Harbourton Road between County Route 579 (Trenton-Harbourton Road) and Route 31 will be reduced to 35 mph, a move the HTC has advocated to improve safety along this heavily traveled route.
The family and loved ones of the victim of the recent, tragic crash have been important advocates of this change, and there is hope that these changes will help prevent future tragedies.
Ingleside and 31
The intersection of Ingleside Avenue (County Route 631) and State Route 31 has long been a concern of community members and the HTC, which has been asking the Department of Transportation to install a full signal there for years.
A cost sharing-agreement with the DOT was signed in October 2024, and the flashing light will be upgraded to a full traffic signal in 2025.
The intersection is problematic because the current signal does not provide adequate gaps for drivers to turn onto Route 31 or cross over to Ingleside Avenue, and risky maneuvers have become all too common. The tTownship police fepartment has reported 31 crashes there in the last three years — 11 of which resulted in injuries —highlighting the need for change.
The new traffic signal will provide smoother access onto and across Route 31 and enhance safety for everyone —whether in a car, on foot, or on a bike. Plus, it will result in improved circulation for important local routes, including the proposed Great Western Bikeway, which, when complete, will increase the number of cyclists crossing Route 31 at this intersection.
Pennington-Titusville and Scotch/Burd
Improvements are also coming at the intersection of Pennington-Titusville Road and Scotch Road. Because these are both local roads, the HTC has the authority to act unilaterally. You may have already noticed the new “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” signs bordered in high-visibility yellow, and new LED flashers added to the stop signs on Scotch Road in December to augment the rumble strips and warning signs already in place. Driver speed limit feedback signs are also coming very soon. Most importantly, in December the township engineer completed a traffic study which indicated that a four-way stop and reduced speed limits on the approaches are warranted at this intersection. An ordinance allowing for both of these changes will be introduced in early 2025, and the stop signs and reduced speeds will be implemented shortly thereafter.
More to come
Traffic Safety is of the utmost importance to the HTC. There are several other areas of the Township that are currently under review for similar improvements, and we look forward to continuing to move forward to improve the safety of all residents and visitors.
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