Fatal Route 202 Crash In Somerset County Prompts Mayor To Push For Safety Upgrades

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A fatal crash was reported on Route 202 in Branchburg on Monday night.

The crash was reported at the Route 202 and Holland Brook Road intersection, prompting Branchburg Mayor James Schworn to push for safety improvements.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the crash.

In a statement on Tuesday, Schworn said, "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the individual who tragically lost their life in the recent accident."

He added, "Any loss of life is devastating, and our community shares in the sorrow of those affected by this tragedy."

Schworn said the intersection "has been an ongoing concern" and said the Township has been in discussions with the New Jersey Department of Transportation about possible safety improvements.

According to the statement, Route 202 is a state-controlled highway, so improvements there fall under NJDOT’s "sole authority."

The statement says previous discussions contemplated having a developer fund certain traffic improvements as part of an approved site plan.

But Schworn said the township now wants "to take a more proactive approach" after the fatal crash.

"The Township is taking steps now to move this process forward," Schworn said.

He said Branchburg is compiling available accident information and "will be reaching out to NJDOT to discuss the necessary safety improvements and determine how quickly they can be implemented."

Schworn also said the township does not want the process delayed while "waiting for other parties to act."

In the statement, he said, "If funding is an obstacle to moving forward, the Township will explore financing the necessary improvements ourselves rather than waiting for the developer or the state to take action."

Schworn said the township’s priority is "the safety of our residents and everyone who travels through Branchburg."

He said Branchburg "will work to expedite the evaluation and implementation of appropriate improvements to make this intersection safer and reduce the risk of future accidents."

No other information on the crash has been released. Check back with Patch as more information is released.

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