Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning and the Township Committee announced today that Hopewell Township is making significant strides in improving safety at the busy intersection of Ingleside Avenue (Mercer County Route 631) and State Route 31.
Long a concern of community members, the Township Committee has been asking the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to install a full signal there for years. The Committee passed a resolution in June 2023 requesting a cost-sharing agreement with the NJDOT for this critical traffic signal improvement. The agreement with the NJDOT was signed this week and the flashing light will be upgraded to a full traffic signal in 2025.
See MercerMe’s recent coverage Ingleside and Route 31 to Become a Safer Intersection
The intersection is problematic because the current flashing signal does not provide adequate gaps for drivers to turn onto Route 31 or cross over to Ingleside Avenue. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the dangers of this intersection, where risky maneuvers have become all too common. The Hopewell Township Police Department has reported 31 crashes in the last three years—11 of which resulted in injuries—highlighting the urgent need for change.
“As traffic has increased in the Township, the intersection at Ingleside Avenue and Route 31 has proven to be a safety concern. In recent years the number of accidents and near-misses has definitely grown,” said Police Chief James Rosso. “Installing a fully functional traffic light at this intersection is a collaborative proactive measure by our Township Committee and the community to enhance the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. By regulating the flow of traffic with this new signal, we can reduce accidents, improve visibility, and ensure smoother, safer travel for everyone in our community.”
Residents have expressed concerns about not only vehicle safety but also the need for safer passage for pedestrians and cyclists. The new traffic signal will help ease those worries, providing smoother access onto and across Route 31 and enhancing safety for everyone—whether in a car, on foot, or on a bike. Plus, it will result in improved circulation for important local routes, including the proposed Great Western Bikeway, which, when complete, will increase the number of cyclists crossing Route 31 at this intersection.
“Ensuring the safety of our residents is at the heart of what we do,” said Peters-Manning. “We are grateful to the NJDOT for its commitment to reducing road hazards. This is a big win for Hopewell Township and everyone who crosses through this intersection.”
A huge thank you to Hopewell Township’s own, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, Township Administrator George Snyder, the Mercer County Engineering Department, and the NJDOT, for their support of this project.
Submitted by Hopewell Township
