Engineers Discuss Environmental Impact of Halls Mill Road Project

The Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering held a public hearing on an environmental assessment report for proposed improvements to the intersection of Halls Mill Road and Elton-Adelphia Road (CR 524) on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at in Freehold Township.

Monmouth County Engineer Joseph M. Ettore and Kristopher Krzyston, an engineer and environmental inspector with T&M Associates, were in attendance at the meeting. T&M Associates is working with the county on the intersection’s reconstruction, which would affect sections of Freehold Township and Howell. The project, which is estimated to cost $17 million, will include the realignment of the roadways and the replacement of three bridge structures within the project limits, according to county officials.

“According our report published Aug. 10, the improvements we plan on will not affect the environment in a negative way,” said Ettore. “We know the environment has been a serious concern, and without any negative impact, we will move forward to make the intersection safer.”

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.

Residents that were in attendance at Town Hall were allowed to go on public record and have their questions during the hour-long session. Following the hearing, residents had a chance to speak to Ettore and Kryzston personally, as well as other T&M associates about the project.

Ettore said the county hopes to begin reconstruction in 2013 in the best-case scenario and 2014 in the worst-case scenario. County and Freehold Township officials have secured $9 million in federal funds thus far and are seeking additional state and federal funding for the project.

The final design is due in December and will include final cost estimates of the project.