Plans are in works for light at Rt. 537-Gravel Hill Rd.
BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - An intersection that has become busier as houses have sprung up around it in recent years looks to be in line for improvements.

The intersection of Route 537 and Gravel Hill Road is under consideration for the installation of a traffic light. The intersection is about a half-mile west of CentraState Medical Center. The intersection is at the crest of a hill on Route 537.

The topic of a traffic light at the intersection came up for discussion at the Jan. 23 meeting of the Manalapan Township Committee. Manalapan Mayor Michelle Roth said officials in her community have been receiving complaints from residents about the traffic situation at that location.

The construction of new homes off Gravel Hill Road and farther west on Route 537 has caused additional traffic to move through the intersection of those two roads.

At times the steady flow of traffic on Route 537 makes it difficult for motorists who are on Gravel Hill Road to make a left turn onto either Route 537 east or Route 537 west.

Roth said the project will be under the jurisdiction of Monmouth County because Route 537 is a county road. She said Freehold Township Committeeman Anthony Ammiano informed her that Freehold Township had already reached out toMonmouth County Engineer Joseph Ettore.

She saidAmmiano told her county personnel have started making plans for upgrades to the intersection. Roth said she has been informed that the county is planning to hold a public meeting in the spring to present the project.

"I am pleased they are moving forward with this work at an intersection that is in dire need of a traffic light," the Manalapan mayor said.

In an interview, Ettore confirmed that the county is planning improvements at Gravel Hill Road and Route 537. He said no date has been set for the public meeting.

The county engineer said that because the improvements will necessitate the widening of Gravel Hill Road, county policy dictates that officials must first meet privately with residents whose property may be impacted by the project before they hold the public meeting.