FLORENCE – Demonstrating their strong commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, the Burlington County Commissioners are advancing a critical project to reconstruct the intersection of Route 130 and Florence-Columbus Road (County Route 656) in partnership with the State of the New Jersey.
The intersection is located within Florence Township and is a known spot for traffic congestion due to trucks and shift workers going to and from area warehouses and Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike’s Exit 6A interchange. More than 12,000 vehicles are estimated to travel on Florence-Columbus Road through that intersection daily.
“Safe and reliable highways and bridges are essential for Burlington County’s economy, environment and quality of life,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felica Hopson. “This project will help relieve congestion and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. We’re excited to partner with the State to expedite this project so construction can start as quickly as possible.”
The proposed improvements include the reconstruction of the intersection and the addition of a new connector roadway and traffic signal to improve traffic flow and relieve congestion. The project has been discussed for several years and is being advanced under a County-led shared service agreement with the State of New Jersey.
Under the agreement, the Burlington County Engineer’s Office will assume responsibility for the preliminary engineering of the improvements with financial support from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Previously, the project was led by the NJDOT because Route 130 is a state highway.
State Sen. Troy Singleton was instrumental in getting NJDOT officials to agree to move forward under the County’s leadership.
“These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of those of us who live in the area and travel the corridor. This partnership between NJDOT and Burlington County will help this project move forward from concept to construction without further delay,” Senator Singleton said. “It’s a great example of how we are collaborating to advance necessary improvements to our local transportation infrastructure.”
Florence Mayor Kristan Marter also lobbied to get the project moving, writing to then-Gov. Phil Murphy about its importance.
“Currently, the congestion makes getting into and out of our town nearly impossible, and it’s also dangerous. It’s why we’ve been pushing for this intersection to be improved since 2016,” said Mayor Mater. “it’s great to see it moving forward.”
Among the planned improvements are widening Route 130 to accommodate dedicated right turn lanes at the intersection, redesigning the existing Route 130 jughandle and the development of a new connector roadway linking Delaware Avenue.
Plans also call for construction of a roundabout south of Florence-Columbus Road at the intersection of Birch Hollow Drive and improved pedestrian and bicycle accessibility at the intersection and connector.
The Commissioners voted in December last year to endorse the conceptual plans for the intersection improvements and authorize the County Engineering Office to move forward with preliminary engineering. NJDOT leadership endorsed the agreement this month.
“Burlington County is New Jersey’s largest county and at our location puts us at the crossroads between New York and Philadelphia,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “It’s critically important that our transportation infrastructure keeps pace with the growth and development that has occurred up and down Route 130. Upgrading this intersection will improve the safety and well-being of numerous county residents and all who travel through Florence, Mansfield and Burlington Township every day.”