Plainsboro’s Township Committee approved a contract to erect a traffic light at the intersection of Dey and Plainsboro roads. The improvement of this intersection has been the subject of recent debate amongst residents.
The contract will be awarded to Lucas Brothers, Inc., of Morganville, at the next Township Committee Meeting, likely Wednesday, July 12. The company will install a traffic light as well as make sidewalk improvements to Scotts Corner Road. The Committee expects the work to enhance access to the village center, which is currently under construction.
Peter Pfister, who lives close to the intersection of Dey and Plainsboro Roads, has been vocal about his belief that the township went ahead with plans without sufficient input from area residents. “Planners should solicit information from sources close to and familiar with the situation. They cannot plan well without the input of others,” said Pfister in a 2005 letter to the editor.
Township Administrator Robert Sheehan says at the improvements are necessary.
“We need to install a traffic signal and we will do so with a minimal amount of disruption. We need to control the traffic in the area and there are some sightline issues that need to be taken care of,” said Sheehan in response to Pfister’s protests.
The sightline issues concern a hedge on the corner property, which requires drivers making a left turn onto Plainsboro Road to edge forward onto the cross-street to see oncoming traffic. Pfister said, “The Hedge is intimidating, but, upon thoughtful observation, drivers will realize that it does not really block their view.”
Pfister is also concerned that the existing trees and landscaping of the corner properties will be paved over, “creating as much curb appeal as all the old buildings in any inner city.”
Sheehan says the township has tried to address the concerns of residents. “ Some properties will have a signal pole on their property. Some won’t be happy. But we are trying to sort out the best way to improve the area with a minimum amount of disruption.”
The work is expected to start a month after the contract is awarded. Plainsboro Road could remain open while the project is underway. If so, it will be reduced to one lane in the area surrounding the intersection. The possibility remains that both Plainsboro Road and Edgemere Avenue will be closed until the project is complete.
The township’s stated goal is to have the intersection work completed by the time school resumes in the fall.
