The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), committed to developing transportation improvements that best balance transportation needs, the environment, community concerns, and costs is holding a Virtual Public Information Center for Deforestation/Reforestation to provide local residents, public officials, and the business community with information on the Route 22/Route 82/Garden State Parkway Interchange project. You are encouraged to actively participate by providing comments on-line or by mail or email.
Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Public Information Center will be held virtually. Please visit the following website any time between June 1 - 21, 2021 to learn more about the project and submit comments: www.tiny.cc/2282GSP
Please view at a time that is convenient for you. You will have an opportunity review exhibits of the proposed project reforestation plans and provide comments. If you are unable to attend but are interested in learning about this project, contact us at the telephone number or email address listed below.
Project Overview:
Route 22 through Union Township is a divided urban principal arterial roadway and is a main east-west commuting corridor. It also provides access to business and shopping areas to the east and west of the project. The ramp system connecting Route 22, Route 82, and the Garden State Parkway is missing several direct connections at Interchanges 140A and 140.
The Proposed Project:
The purpose of the project is to improve the safety, operation, and infrastructure on Route 22 and Route 82 within the interchange limits and includes the following improvements:
• Along Route 22 eastbound, an auxiliary lane is proposed between the exit ramp to Route 82 eastbound and the Lowe’s Shopping Center driveway, and the Route 22 eastbound over Route 82 bridge will be replaced. The existing ramp from Route 22 eastbound to Route 22 westbound will be removed and the movement will be relocated to Route 82.
• Along Route 22 westbound, an auxiliary lane will be constructed between the entrance ramp from the Garden
State Parkway southbound and the exit ramp to Ingersoll Terrace/Route 82 eastbound. To provide for the auxiliary lane, the Route 22 westbound bridge over Route 82 will be replaced with a wider structure.
• Pavement reconstruction/resurfacing, drainage, signing, striping and lighting improvements will be made throughout the interchange.
Proposed Reforestation Plan:
The NJDOT is required by the New Jersey No Net Loss Reforestation Act to hold a public forum when greater than one acre of deforestation occurs in an area owned or maintained by a state entity to present to the public the project deforestation and reforestation plans. Plans showing the deforestation and reforestation for the project are provided in the virtual presentation for review and public comment. Construction of this project will deforest 367 trees according to the methodology outlined in the No Net Loss Program Guidelines. The proposed planting will reforest 110 trees within the project limits. The law states that if tree planting adjacent to the deforested area is not possible, it shall be conducted in the following order: within the municipality in which the deforestation occurred, within five miles of the site of deforestation, or off-site. As none of these options are feasible, the Department will provide monetary compensation for the additional 1.26 acres (257 trees) required to the "Shade Tree and Community Forest Preservation License Plate Fund." The affected municipality will be advised by Community Forestry the amount of monies available for tree planting within their community via a grant process.
Estimated Project Schedule:
Start Construction: Summer 2021 (Tree clearing starting October 1)
For Further Information, please contact:
Ms. Meredith Hammond, Regional Manager
Office of Government & Community Relations
New Jersey Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 600
Trenton, NJ 08625-0600
Phone: 609-963-1982
Email: Meredith.Hammond@dot.nj.gov