Shoulder lane for buses being added on Route 9
BY MARLENE CANTY
Staff Writer

OLD BRIDGE - A $6 million state-funded project to install sidewalks and bus lane shoulders on Route 9 is expected to ease traffic conditions during peak hours, but has thus far contributed to delays.

Construction on the 4.2-mile stretch of Route 9 both north- and southbound has been under way for several months and is slated for completion within the next few weeks, according to Councilman Kevin Calogera.

The project will add a 4.2-mile shoulder lane on both sides of the highway for buses to use during peak hours.

The stretch runs between Route 18 and Route 34.

The undertaking also involves building new sidewalks, replacing old sidewalks, improving drainage and building bigger, better bus shelters.

But sources say the construction, which is allowed to close a single lane of traffic between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., has at times caused traffic delays while a street was repaved during rush hours.

According to Old Bridge police Lt. Bob Weiss, officers assigned to traffic control in the area have observed "moderate traffic delays on Route 9 on various evenings between 8-10 p.m."

"There were serious delays the first week or so of the construction, but they were always between 8-10 p.m. I don't know of any delays during peak or rush hours," Weiss said. "It is our understanding that the bus shoulder lanes and other improvements will help ease the overall traffic burden on Route 9."

Calogera concurred, and said he hopes the improvements make for a quicker commute.

Calogera did express concern that drivers who get into the bus lanes during peak hours may be in some jeopardy from the buses that will dominate the lanes during those hours.

Old Bridge officials anticipate that more mass transit commuters will mean less single-vehicle commutes and less traffic congestion during peak hours.

"This is great news for weary commuters, and it will have a residual effect for traffic along Route 9 from Spring Valley Road to Perrine Road," Council-man Richard Greene said in a statement. "NJ Transit bus lanes would reduce travel time and increase on-time bus service."

DOT spokeswoman Erin Phalon said the project, slated for completion by mid-November, will significantly improve traffic flow on Route 9 by separating bus and car traffic.

"DOT shares Old Bridge's goal of reducing congestion by encouraging motorists to use mass transit options," Phalon said.