Commissioner Lettiere announces groundbreaking on Route 168 project
Major drainage improvements for Runnemede
(Ewing) New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere announced the groundbreaking on a major drainage improvement project on Route 168 in Runnemede. Construction has just begun on this $6.1 million drainage project; the project should be completed in late 2005.
“This project is a perfect example of the NJDOT’s commitment to repairing problem areas throughout New Jersey,” said Commissioner Lettiere. “These sorely needed drainage improvements will vastly improve that safety and quality of life for Camden County residents.”
The $6.1 million drainage project will alleviate storm water flooding on state highways and local streets in Runnemede. New inlets and pipes will be installed under Route 168 (Black Horse Pike), Route 41 (Clements Bridge Road) and Smiths Lane. The new pipes will carry storm water away from the town and discharge it into a tributary of Big Timber Creek. By doing so, a significant drainage load will be removed from neighborhood drainage systems.
“Storm flooding and runoff from surrounding areas has interfered with the lives of Runnemede residents for long enough. Senator Bryant, Assemblywoman Cruz-Perez and I have worked with local leaders and the Department of Transportation to systematically and definitively solve this problem,” stated Assemblyman Joe Roberts. “This $6.1 million investment of federal funds will create safer driving conditions and protect neighborhoods from property damage due to flooded roadways.”
"Flooding is a major concern for South Jersey residents, as evidenced by the destruction that was caused during the summer months," said Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez. "The drainage project on Route 168 is a testament to the Department of Transportation's efforts to prevent any further damage from occurring."
“Flooding has been a major problem for sometime in the Borough of Runnemede. It is because of the unyielding efforts of local and state government that a long deserved remedy has come to fruition,” noted State Senator Wayne Bryant. “I applaud Mayor Hartman and the residence for their patience. After nine years of negotiations, engineering reports, studies and locating funds, the citizens of Runnemede will finally receive much deserved relief.”
"The residents of Runnemede are very happy to see that NJDOT is investing in the safety and quality of life of its residents and the motoring public by eliminating the flooding problem from the Black Horse Pike,” said Mayor Frank Hartman of Runnemede. “I would like to extend my thanks to Senator Bryant, Assemblyman Roberts and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez for their help in moving this greatly needed project forward."
Construction of this project will begin shortly and work will be completed in late 2006.
