Ongoing Rt. 9 project is hoped to ease traffic Shoulder lanes for buses being added along 4.2-mile stretch BY MARLENE CANTY Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE - A $6 million state-funded project to install sidewalks and bus lane shoulders on Route 9 is expected to ease traffic conditions during peak hours, but has thus far contributed to delays. Construction on the 4.2-mile stretch of Route 9 both north- and southbound has been under way for several months and is slated for completion within the next few weeks, according to Councilman Kevin Calogera. The project will add a 4.2-mile shoulder lane on both sides of the highway for buses to use during peak hours. The stretch runs between routes 18 and 34. The undertaking also involves building new sidewalks, replacing old sidewalks, improving drainage and building bigger, better bus shelters. But sources say the construction, which is allowed to close a single lane of traffic between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., has at times caused traffic delays while a street was repaved during rush hours. According to Old Bridge Police Lt. Bob Weiss, officers assigned to traffic control in the area have observed "moderate traffic delays on Route 9 on various evenings between 8 and 10 p.m." "There were serious delays the first week or so of the construction, but they were always between 8 and 10 p.m. I don't know of any delays during peak or rush hours," Weiss said. "It is our understanding that the bus shoulder lanes and other improvements will help ease the overall traffic burden on Route 9," he added. Calogera concurred, and said he hopes the improvements make for a quicker commute. "We hope the bus shoulder lanes will shorten the ride for commuters and make it more pleasant for them to use the bus when commuting north," he said. Calogera noted that the newly built sidewalks and larger bus shelters are other measures designed by the state agency in an effort to make commuting more convenient and immediately accessible. Calogera did express concern that drivers who get into the bus lanes during peak hours may be in some jeopardy from the buses that will dominate the lanes during those hours. Township officials anticipate that more mass transit commuters mean less single-vehicle commutes and less traffic congestion during peak hours. "This is great news for weary commuters, and will have a residual effect for traffic along Route 9 from Spring Valley Road to Perrine Road," Councilman Richard Greene said in a statement. "NJ Transit bus lanes would reduce travel time and increase on-timebus service." DOT spokeswoman Erin Phalon said the project will significantly improve traffic flow on Route 9 by separating bus and car traffic. She said she has heard reports of individuals being stuck in a traffic back-up, but that to her knowledge no paving would have been going on during rush hours. Township Engineer Jim Cleary said the project has been going on approximately two months so far. According to Cleary, there are concerns about drainage problems that have begun to emerge in detention ponds constructed at several of the on-site jug-handles. The ponds were constructed in compliance with new storm water regulations. "The ponds accept water drainage when it rains and are supposed to control run-off," he said. But the ponds that should empty after 72 hours are taking longer. The problem, if it persists, could lead to the propagation of mosquitoes. "We're examining it now, but it may turn out to be a temporary problem existing solely while the site is under construction," Cleary said. According to Calogera, some 12 years ago, the township voted against a project to widen county-owned Route 516 by expanding the number of lanes. In light of the town's extensive development in recent years, Calogera said it was a decision township officials and residents have come to regret. Cleary said he believes the massive project underway on Route 9 will be a real boon to individual drivers, but he does not feel it will significantly change the number of commuters who choose to take the bus as opposed to driving themselves north by car.