Some residents have recently taken to social media and otherwise expressing their safety concerns regarding the intersection at Bridgeton Pike (SH 45) and Heritage Road (CR 626). These online public dialogues have revolved around the perceived large number of serious and potentially fatal traffic crashes that have occurred at this particular intersection, and the expressed dire need for a traffic light to be installed.
This intersection is currently controlled by two-way stop signs on Heritage Road as motorists approach Bridgeton Pike in opposite directions. To be very clear, Bridgeton Pike is a state highway and the traffic control devices are under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. However, I felt the need to respond in order to provide better clarity and to offer some factual statistical information.
I tasked the police department with gathering the statistical data relating to traffic accidents at this particular location. The following is a cumulative list of all the reported and investigated crashes that have actually occurred on Bridgeton Pike at or near Heritage Road over the last 11 years through Dec. 31, 2024.
- Animals struck: seven
- Striking fixed objects: six
- Left turn/U-turn: two
- Opposition direction (head on or angular): four
- Opposite direction (side swipe): two
- Right angle (actual intersection collisions): 46
- Same direction (rear end): four
- Same direction (side swipe): two
- Struck parked vehicle: two
- Total crashes: 75
- Total injuries: 30
- Total fatalities: One
It should be noted that the sole fatality which occurred at this location in last 11 years was recorded in December of 2024. This was an apparent head-on collision and seemingly had nothing to do with the current traffic control devices, such as stop signs. Twenty-three of the 30 injuries reported over the 11-year period were the result of right-angle accidents (actual intersection collisions).
What have we done locally to provide better peace of mind? On March 27, at a resident’s request, our public works department installed a “stop ahead” sign on the Mantua side of Heritage Road approaching the stop sign intersection at the location.
Our code enforcement addressed a bush on private property at this intersection that appeared to create somewhat of a view obstruction for motorists on the Mantua side of Heritage Road. The property owner trimmed the bush back to create a clearer line of sight for motorists approaching the stop sign from this direction.
Our police department has and will continue to monitor this location through traffic-enforcement initiatives, and will notify the state transportation department of any changes or areas of concern from a law- enforcement perspective. Complaints regarding the location can be directed to the department at P.O. Box 600, Trenton, 08625-0600, or by calling its office of community relations at (609) 963-1982.
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University officially opened its doors for the very first time on the morning of March 29. I had the opportunity to help welcome the very first visitors to this world-renowned facility. The opening weekend was sold out, with approximately 2,800 guests over this two-day period.
I filmed Mayor’s Video No. 29 with longtime resident and co-chair of our recreation committee, Regina DeWitt. Regina and I discussed this year’s main community events and senior activities. Look for this video on the township’s social media platforms and at our website, mantuatownship.com/mayors-message.
On Saturday, April 5, Deputy Mayor John Legge, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens, Committeeman Jack Steen, Committeeman Jay Snyder and I attended the Sewell Raildogs opening-day ceremony. It was a true honor to help kick off another exciting season of baseball and softball for the Raildogs.
There’s nothing quite like throwing the opening day first pitch and seeing the excitement on every young player’s face at the ball fields. It’s one of the most rewarding things to be a part of as your mayor. The township committee and I want to wish every player and coach a fun, safe, and unforgettable season.
During the month of March, the police department handled 2,880 calls for service, made 65 arrests, issued 197 motor-vehicle summonses, handled 182 investigation reports and investigated 37 motor-vehicle crashes.
The MTPD continues its proactive policing initiatives and has been recognized statewide for its hard work. We are proud to announce that it ranked number 33 out of the top 100 municipalities statewide for 2024 drug-related arrests. Our officers made 121 drug arrests last year.
To be clear, we are not a drug- or crime-ridden community. Our police officers are extremely assertive and are relentless in their approach to intercept, deter and dismantle the illegal use and distribution of controlled dangerous substances throughout our community. Our policing goal is to eradicate this illegal activity and push the bad guys far away from Mantua Township. Much of this criminal element is transient traffic on main thoroughfares such as Route 45, Route 55 and Woodbury-Glassboro Road.
I want to commend our police department, and especially those exceptional officers and detectives who are going above and beyond in order for us to maintain the safety of our great community.
For those who celebrate, the township committee and I want to wish you a very Happy Passover and Easter.
