Senator Sean Kean Calls for New Traffic Pattern at Route 36 Bridge

August 12, 2009

Contact: Tara Fantini / (732) 974-0400
Senator Sean T. Kean (R-11)

Says Current Traffic Patterns Harming Area Businesses

Senator Sean T. Kean today called for the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement new traffic patterns at the site of the new Route 36 Highlands Bridge.

While visiting a local business that is being impacted by the construction, Kean said the DOT could help mitigate the impact on businesses and motorists by requiring the bridge contractor to construct a new traffic configuration. The area has been beset by traffic tie-ups throughout the summer.

Video: Senator Sean Kean Helping Local Businesses Stay in Business During Rt. 36 Bridge Construction

“Businesses in the area that were already struggling to survive during the construction are now suffering even more because of the traffic patterns,” he said. “I am calling for the DOT to act quickly to implement new traffic patterns to alleviate the impact that this project is having on local businesses.”

At the Sea Bright restaurant Something Fishy, Kean said that, in addition to increasing traffic congestion in the area, the traffic patterns are hurting businesses by discouraging people from visiting certain businesses.

He cited the prohibition of left turns for motorists leaving Sandy Hook as one of the traffic rules that has driven down business in the area. He noted that cars leaving Sandy Hook are unlikely to travel back over the bridge and use the jug handle in order to travel south on Route 36.

“The existing traffic patterns are making it increasingly difficult for patrons to get to businesses, including several restaurants, that are located near the construction site,” he said. “Businesses cannot survive if they are not accessible to their customers.”

Kean said that he will be meeting with he DOT on August 13 and will urge them to consider a variety of proposals that have been considered as possible solutions to the traffic situation in the area.

“The DOT needs to look at all possible approaches that could possibly ease the traffic problems at the Highlands Bridge,” he said. “It is simply unacceptable to force area residents and businesses to endure yet another year under the current traffic patterns.”