New Signal Planned At Route 202 After Fatal Crash

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis said new traffic signals are expected to be installed at the intersection of Route 202 and Holland Brook Road in Branchburg following a fatal crash last week.

Drulis said she has been working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation on changes at the intersection.

"Following the tragic loss of life that took place on Route 202 earlier this week, I have been working with the NJ Department of Transportation to find urgent solutions that will make the intersection of Route 202 and Holland Brook Road safer for motorists," Drulis said.

Work is expected begin as soon as Tuesday to install new traffic signals at the intersection, followed by a comprehensive review of traffic and crash data throughout the 202 corridor in Branchburg to determine where additional safety improvements are needed, according to Drulis.

"We will continue to work diligently with state and local officials to prevent further incidents from taking place," said Drulis.

Route 202 Fatal Crash

The new signal installation was prompted after a fatal crash on Oct. 26.

Just after 5 p.m., Branchburg Police went to Route 202 at the intersection of Holland Brook Road, where they saw an accident involving a Peterbilt tractor and trailer and a Ford sedan, which became engulfed in flames, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

• Read More: Fatal Fiery Crash With Tractor Trailer Kills Man On Route 202 In Branchburg

The driver of the Ford, an adult male resident of Branchburg, was pronounced dead at the scene, said McDonald.

Readington and Neshanic Fire Companies extinguished the fire.

Branchburg Rescue Squad, Somerset County HazMat and the New Jersey Department of Transportation Traffic Diversion Team also came to help.

The Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team along with Branchburg Township Police investigated the crash.

The investigation is currently ongoing pending the results of the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team’s findings and results from the post-mortem examination conducted by the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

Following the crash, Branchburg Mayor James 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.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at 908-526-3830 or via OPS Tips.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.