New Wawa In Brick Generating Traffic Complaints

BRICK, NJ — When the application to build a Wawa near the intersection of Route 88 and Jack Martin Boulevard went before the Brick Township Board of Adjustment, residents complained about the potential for traffic problems.

Three years later, they're saying "We told you so."

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Less than a week after a ribbon-cutting ceremony that heralded the opening of the new store, residents near the store say traffic issues are overwhelming.

Tuesday during Brick Mayor John Ducey's Facebook live, residents told the mayor that traffic backups were creating a mess, with bottlenecking on Route 88 in particular as people try to turn left both to get into and leave the Wawa.

"The entrance exit on 88 creates a back-up and blocks the intersection at Jack Martin," Linda Ferraccio said in a comment. "I can’t get out of my neighborhood cuz traffic is blocking the intersection."

"Someone should consider making it a non-left turn into the new Wawa from Route 88 and a non-left turn out of Wawa onto Route 88. It’s just not a good mix," Lillian Mahaffey said.

Ducey agreed that the traffic situation is a mess.

"The DOT for some reason allowed lefts out of the Wawa," he said, adding, "terrible idea."

The state Department of Transportation signed off on the project in 2018, before it was presented to the zoning board, officials said at the time.

"When you live here, you know what the problems are going to be when you see a proposal," Ducey said. "We just need some help from these other agencies to agree."

There is an exit onto Jack Martin Boulevard, and Ducey said he hopes people will start to use that exit as they get adjusted to the new store. to then go to the light and turn left onto Route 88

At the grand opening, Wawa officials presented three checks for $1,000 each, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project on behalf of the township's police department, to American Legion Post 348, and to the Brick Township High School athletic programs.

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