CR 537 Improvements, Bridge Replacement Complete: Commissioners

COLTS NECK, NJ - A county-led project to improve the intersection at State Route (SR) 34 and County Route (CR) 37 has been completed, the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners announced Thursday.

The project included the widening of SR 34, widening of CR 537, replacement of the existing traffic signal with state-of-the art technology, replacement of the CR 537 bridge (1300-A18), replacement of the SR 34 bridge (1308-152) and installation of bioretention basins, according to a news release. The officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 14 to celebrate the achievement.

“The intersection improvement project at State Route 34 and County Route 537 set out to improve the safety and operations of the intersection as well as decrease the use of local roadways as alternate routes to avoid congestion,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering.

“Throughout construction, the County worked closely with local businesses including Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck Stillhouse and the Orchards at Colts Neck shopping plaza to minimize disruptions to their operations. At some points, work was staggered on certain sections of the roads based on their business hours to keep their driveways open.”

According to the commissioners, the project was funded nearly entirely using Federal Aid Grant and State Aid Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) dollars under a New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and county agreement. While the intersection of State Route 34 and County Route 537 falls under NJDOT, Monmouth County was given an opportunity to lead the initiative.

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The state provided 75 percent and the county provided 25 percent of the total $23.3 million project total. Here's where the money went:

• Design: $1.5 million
• Right-of-Way Acquisition: $1.6 million
• Construction: $17.7 million
• Construction support & Inspection: $2.5 million

The county paid $5.5 million, of which $5.2 million was used from State Aid Transportation Trust Fund allocations. Only $300,000 was used from County Capital Funds to pay for non-participating construction items, according to the commissioners.

“For nearly two decades and throughout my time in public service at the municipal and County levels, I had the persistence of vision to bring this intersection improvement to the forefront of our priorities as elected officials and brought this essential project to fruition,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry. “For years, residents, business owners and motorists have experienced lengthy delays and hazardous driving conditions at one of the busiest intersections in Monmouth County. The completed project has drastically altered how people travel in and through Colts Neck, especially during commuter peak hours.”

“As a resident of the township myself, I am personally gratified to see us reaching this significant milestone and I applaud our County Public Works and Engineering department and our partners on the state level for their tireless efforts to make this project a reality," Burry added.