WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – With the flip of a switch, a new traffic light at the intersection of Locust Avenue (County Route 15) and Parker Road was made operational this afternoon.

County and local officials were on hand to dedicate the newly completed project which involved installation of a semi-actuated traffic signal, widening of Locust Avenue to accommodate dedicated left turn lanes and widening of Parker Road to provide space for a right turn lane.

“This project continues the county’s efforts to improve its roads and intersections,” Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone said at the event. “This particular project is the result of working with the local school district, police department and community center to improve public safety in the area.”

The construction work included widening of the roadway, installing a new traffic signal, push button activated pedestrian crossing signals and crosswalks. The curbs were also widened at the intersection to improve vehicular turning movements.

“This is an LED traffic light that costs less to operate and is eco-friendly,” Freeholder Gary J. Rich, Sr. said. “This set-up also has an eight hour battery back-up that will keep the intersection operational in the event of a power outage. It is a great improvement for the residents of West Long Branch.”

“The project greatly improves the safety of the traveling public by improving a heavily traveled intersection,” said Arnone. “As the levels of traffic continue to increase, the County’s work will provide safer passage for pedestrians and vehicles. This intersection improvement project addressed multiple needs.”

The project was designed and inspected with personnel from the Monmouth County Public Works & Engineering Department. The project was constructed by Earle Asphalt Company of Farmingdale, NJ at a total contract cost of $516,913.

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