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Part of effort to bolster redevelopment of Fort Monmouth
BY TOM HESTER SR.
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority plans to spend $40 million to reconfigure the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls, adding new ramps from the southbound Parkway to Wayside Avenue and signage in both directions at Exit 105. The project also includes improving the intersection of Hope Road and Route 36, an area troubled by congestion and traffic delays.
Christie administration officials believe the new exit and road improvements will provide a boost to the redevelopment of Fort Monmouth, the U.S. Army base in Monmouth County set for closure on Sept. 15.
The $40 million is contained in the Turnpike Authority 10-year, $7 billion capital program.
"This project will benefit existing residents and businesses with improved access to the Parkway and provide capacity that will help the mixed-use Fort Monmouth redevelopment plan achieve its full potential," state Transportation Commissioner James Simpson, the Turnpike Authority‘s chairman, said Thursday.
Construction on the new exit and Hope Road improvements could start in 2013.
The project will attempt to improve traffic flow in the vicinity and provide better access to the western portion of the Army base. Officials hope the planned improvements will add to the value of the property and demonstrate a commitment to development.
The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) has been working on the Fort Monmouth redevelopment effort and job creation, in anticipation of the base closing. There is a 20-year plan to redevelop the 1,126-acre base, which provides for commercial and residential development, as well as open space.
FMERA Director Bruce Steadman said, “This outstanding infrastructure investment makes evident the Christie Administration’s strong commitment to the Fort Monmouth redevelopment effort and to the people of Monmouth County.”
The Turnpike Authority has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to prequalified engineering firms that might be interested in designing the project. Proposals are due in May, with a design contract expected to be awarded in July.
