LINWOOD — An upgraded pedestrian crossing is in the works on New Road in Linwood where students travel between Mainland Regional High School and the Cornerstone Commerce Center.
On Jan. 25, City Council adopted a resolution of support for the state Department of Transportation’s midblock crosswalk project.
Jen Heller of Polistina and Associates, the city’s contracted engineering firm, said the DOT would shift the southernmost crosswalk near the softball field north closer to the center of the two properties and then add an overhead apparatus with a flashing light operated by a button on either side.
Heller said the city approached the DOT about the project in December 2021, ahead of plans for a much larger-scale project along Route 9 from Somers Point to Absecon, and was able to get what she called a “short-term solution.”
That’s not to say it’s not a great project, she said, noting the size of the apparatus and flashing overhead light increase safety by increasing visibility and slowing traffic.
Heller also said there are no easements necessary or other factors that would hold the project up.
“The short-term fix is great, totally doable,” she said. “There are no right of way issues.”
Another crosswalk in the area will simply be striped but should work in conjunction with the other measures to improve safety, she said.
Heller said no definitive timeline has been provided by the DOT but city officials hope for completion some time in 2023. She noted the larger project is slated to start in 2027. It would add sidewalks, curbs and handicapped access ramps along the length of the state roadway in the project area.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
