Stalled for over a year, the status of the major intersection work taking place at Fries Mill Road and Route 322 (Glassboro Road) was recently updated by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and shared by Monroe Township.
This update was provided after a series of meetings between NJDOT, Gloucester County Engineers and a private developer (for an approved Heritage’s Convenience store) took place in early October.
The updated October comments from NJDOT/Monroe indicates that water management basis will be need at all four quadrants of the intersection… and more importantly in the recent meeting the NJDOT Commissioner discussed the importance of the project and the need to resume construction before the end of the calendar year.
Water Management Concerns
Back in June of this year I wrote an article stating the delays were related to concerns from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding necessary water basins to handle water runoff from the improved roadway. That updated information regarding the work stoppage was originally published by the Courier Post in January… and no progress has taking place at the construction site.
My June update shared that Monroe Township Mayor Greg Wolfe organized a meeting consisting of the recently appointed NJDOT Commissioner Francis O’Connor and his staff, as well as Gloucester County Engineers and a developer. That meeting seemed more about getting all of the parties “on the same page” regarding the project and necessary efforts needed to move it forward.
Adding into the mix, the Fries Mill Road intersection’s Southeast corner was also recently approved for a Heritage’s Dairy Convenience Store. There has been no construction movement on that project as of yet, which is likely impacted by the open items still being reviewed for the intersection project.
Last month (October 22nd) the Township of Monroe Facebook page published an update on the Fries Mill intersection project… which is actually an update from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner O’Connor who recapped a series of meetings which took place in October.
In short summary, the DEP has a variety of concerns regarding water management basins for the intersection work, which seems to lead to requiring basins for all four corners of the intersection, including changes to water management efforts that were already part of the project scope.
Those October meetings are described as:
- October 3: A meeting between NJDOT and the County was held to discuss the importance of this project and the need to resume construction before the end of the calendar year.
- October 8: County Engineers met with the Developer regarding the Southeastern quadrant.
- October 9: NJDOT arranged a meeting between NJDEP and the County to discuss the necessary application for a permit for a basin in the Southwestern quadrant.
One aspect that is not clear to me is the “Southwestern quadrant”. A large water basin was already constructed at the rear of the large cleared property which while a considerable distance from the roadway, I thought was for the intersection effort. That being said, the third bullet above seems to indicate an additional basin will be required in that area.
Below is the full unedited commentary from the Monroe Township Facebook Post:
Mayor Wolfe wanted to keep our community updated on the Fries Mill Road and Glassboro Road project. We know there have been delays but we are doing all we can to get this project re-started.
Monroe Township Mayor Greg Wolfe has been in continual contact with the New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis O’Connor regarding this project.
Commissioner O’Connor provided a recent update on the construction project at 322/ Fries Mill Road.
“The Department has engaged in a series of conversations with Gloucester County Engineers.
October 3: A meeting between NJDOT and the County was held to discuss the importance of this project and the need to resume construction before the end of the calendar year.
October 8: County Engineers met with the Developer regarding the Southeastern quadrant.
October 9: NJDOT arranged a meeting between NJDEP and the County to discuss the necessary application for a permit for a basin in the Southwestern quadrant.
The discussion related to the basin on the Northeastern quadrant is ongoing. The County is actively working with South State to make the necessary drainage improvements to ensure that the water flow heads toward the golf course as opposed to 322.
The Developer has agreed to perform the work needed to ensure that the Southeastern basin captures the water runoff from 322 at its own expense. While a major access permit from NJDOT is needed to complete this step, the Developer submitted their plans on Friday, October 18th, 9:20pm. We are expediting any necessary review.
Please know that I, along with the Department, are committed to getting this job done.”
Mayor Wolfe would like to point out the notes from the October 3rd meeting where the DOT Commissioner discussed the importance of this project and the need to resume construction before the end of the calendar year.
As we receive further updates, we will continue to post to our social media page
Related Coverage
- Nov 2022: Intersection Improvements for Rt 322 and Fries Mill Rd Starts Soon. Complete By 2023 End-of-Summer
- August 2023: Fries Mill Road and Rt 322 Intersection – August Update
- November 2023: Heritage’s Dairy Store Approved For Rt 322 & Fries Mill in Williamstown
- June 2024: Route 322 and Fries Mill Road Intersection Project Gets Attention From NJDOT Commissioner