Public Hearing Scheduled for Halls Mill Road Realignment Project

The Monmouth County Division of Engineering will hold a hearing Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the to receive public feedback on an environmental assessment report for proposed improvements to Halls Mill Road and Elton-Adelphia Road (CR 524).

The $17 million project will include the realignment of the roadways and the replacement of three bridge structures within the project limits, according to Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley. County and Freehold Township officials have secured $9 million in federal funds for the improvements and will continue to investigate opportunities for additional federal and state funding, Curley noted during Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Both the county and Freehold Township roads were identified as requiring significant realignment to correct substandard geometric conditions and a lack of level of service,” he said.

Between 2007 and 2009, 107 crashes were reported within the vicinity of Halls Mill Road and Elton-Adelphia Road, according to the environmental assessment report. The project will widen roadways and straighten curves to provide better line of sight, increase safety and reduce congestion in the area, the report states. The report also indicates that a direct connection will be made from Route 9 to Halls Mills Road through Edinburgh Drive along the Freehold Township and Howell border.

Representatives from the Monmouth County Division of Engineering will be on hand to answer questions.

“Public input will further assist with determining the significance of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed improvements,” County Engineer Joseph M. Ettore said. “The proposed improvements include an upgrade to the current roadway approaches and intersection configuration to promote vehicular safety while minimizing environmental impacts.”

Public comments will be documented. For those unable to attend and provide comment in person, the county will accept written comments through Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Comments may be mailed or faxed to Inkyung Englehart, Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering, Hall of Records Annex, 3rd floor, One East Main Street, Freehold, NJ  07728.  The fax number is 732-431-7765. Comments may also be emailed to inkyung.englehart@co.monmouth.nj.us.