Somerset County Launches Roadway Safety Study

Residents are on the road to safer intersections and pedestrian/bike paths

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Planning Division has launched the Roadway Safety Study, which will help identify opportunities to improve the safety of Somerset County roadways through public input and data analysis. After a series of assessments have been conducted and public comments have been collected, a final safety-study will pinpoint areas that may need upgrades and outline a plan for road improvements.  Residents are encouraged to provide comments on vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle safety issues through county’s new online mapping tool.

“The goal of the study is to help the county’s planning division select five county roadways that will undergo a comprehensive analysis to help identify vehicle, pedestrian, and bicyclist safety issues,” said Somerset County Freeholder Deputy Director Sara Sooy, planning liaison. “The county will also develop safety improvement recommendations for these roadways and identify potential opportunities for the implementation of green infrastructure.”

“We encourage the public to tell us what they experience when they’re out on the roads and suggest how we can make those roads safer,” said Somerset County Freeholder Melonie Marano. “Public feedback will help the county make the most strategic decisions about where to implement upgrades.”

Residents can provide comments and feedback by using the study’s online mapping tool at  http://fhiplansurvey.com/somerset/. For information about how to use the mapping tool, visit https://youtu.be/PNvwbjn8aAk. Residents can also email their comments to SCroadwaysafetystudy@co.somerset.nj.us. Public input must be received by Aug. 19.

After roadways have been selected, the county’s Planning Division will conduct roadway safety audits (RSA) by using data gathered from residents’ input, the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s safety management system, and data collected from other sources. Improvements to roadways will be made based on the results of the study’s analysis.

Somerset County launched the Somerset County Roadway Safety Study as an analysis tool after New Jersey was chosen as a “focus state” for road safety improvement by the Federal Highway Administration. Since New Jersey has been identified as a “focus state” it will receive technical assistance such as data analysis, training and support for road improvements.

The Somerset County Roadway Safety Study is funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJPTA) through a sub-regional study program. The Somerset County Planning Division, which will manage the study, is also responsible for land development review, preparation of the Somerset County Master Plan, overseeing transportation projects and implementing initiatives for open space and farmland preservation.

For more information contact Director Walter C. Lane, AICP/PP at 908-231-7021 or email PlanningBd@co.somerset.nj.us.

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