"It's becoming a more stressful place to live.."   -Rep. Rob Andrews

Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Andrews, local officials discuss traffic concerns
By JASON NARK
Courier-Post Staff
STRATFORD

Mayors and other local officials from Rep. Rob Andrews' congressional district gathered Monday to discuss one of South Jersey 's most pressing issues - traffic.

Andrews, D-N.J., hosted the brainstorm session at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey to gather thoughts, field complaints and develop long-range plans for easing local traffic.

"It's becoming a more stressful place to live. This is our chance to have some input," said Andrews, a Haddon Heights resident who recently began his eighth term in Washington .

Congress will be looking to authorize $100 billion in federal highway transportation funds this year, some of which could land in South Jersey municipalities, he said.

Andrews said three requirements would be necessary to attain and utilize some of the funding:

•The plan would have regional impact.

•The plan would be tied into some larger vision, such as economic development or environmental protection.

•Other project funds would have to be available to supplement the federal money.

"The feds like to be involved in projects where they are the final piece of the puzzle," Andrews said.

Most of South Jersey 's traffic problems stem from congestion on Interstate 295 and routes 42 and 55, Andrews said.

Bellmawr Councilman Peter Peter DiGiambattista said tractor-trailers on residential streets are a growing problem in his borough, where 42, I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike converge.

In order to avoid major highway traffic, said officials who attended Monday's meeting, motorists were clogging up back roads as they traveled from Gloucester Township and Gloucester County to business centers in Voorhees, Mount Laurel and Marlton.

"That problem in South Jersey is solved the day you can take a train from Turnersville to Marlton. Anything else is just patchwork," Andrews said. "That's a $3 billion mouthful though, and we can't get that kind of funding."

More public transportation, highway improvements, and car- pooling, were some other alternatives offered as potential relief.

Andrews said he hopes to have several ideas for his district in writing by May 1.