Purpose and Need:  

The purpose of the County Route 535 Local Concept Development Study is to improve safety and operations for all users of the corridor, with a particular focus on increased accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. The need for this study is driven by high crash frequencies at several intersections, inconsistent roadway cross-sections, congestion during peak travel periods, and gaps in pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Description: 

This project focuses on County Route 535 (Old Trenton Road/Edinburg Road) between Paxson Avenue in Hamilton Township and the Middlesex County line in East Windsor Township. Once a rural area comprised primarily of farmland, the areas along CR 535 within the project limits have experienced extensive development during the past 20+ years. More development has been recently approved or is anticipated in the coming years. The properties along CR 535 are now primarily developed with residential communities and some limited commercial and office uses. Community amenities, including Mercer County Community College, Mercer County Park, and multiple schools, are located either along, or directly adjacent to, CR 535 within the project limits. As development has occurred, some portions of the roadway have been widened from two lanes to four lanes, shoulders have been added in some areas, and sidewalk has been installed along the frontages of developed parcels, resulting in a cross-section that varies greatly.

CR 535 is classified as an Urban Minor Arterial roadway and the speed limit fluctuates between 35 mph and 50 mph, however the majority of the corridor has a speed limit of 45–50 mph. Based on NJDOT online traffic count data, traffic volumes vary significantly, from approximately 11,000 vehicles per day near Colt Circle in West Windsor to 18,000 vehicles per day near Flock Road in Hamilton.

Background: 

The presence of schools, residential developments, and Mercer County Park have resulted in increased bicycle and pedestrian activity in the area, which was not the case historically, and was not thoroughly considered as portions of the road were widened or its cross-section changed for development, resulting in disjointed segments of sidewalk and inconsistent bicycle accommodations. Multiple planning studies have been completed by the County, DVRPC, and municipalities identifying ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodation along the CR 535 Corridor. The Local Concept Development Study will define the existing deficiencies, evaluate alternatives to address them, and identify a safe, efficient, and multimodal solution to improve safety for all roadway users.

Proposal: 

The Local Concept Development Study will evaluate the existing conditions along CR 535, identify deficiencies, and develop alternatives to address roadway needs. Alternatives will focus on improving bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, addressing high-crash locations, and incorporating FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures. Roundabouts will be considered in place of traffic signals at locations such as Mercer County Park, Mercer County Community College, and others based on traffic volumes and crash history. The study will ultimately recommend a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) for advancement to Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE).

Anticipated Project Schedule: 

It is anticipated that the CD phase of this project will be substantially complete within 12 months of its commencement. Project timeline includes a six-month extension for review and finalization.

Contact: 

For further information, questions or to submit comments, please contact:

Matthew Zochowski, PP, AICP

Principal Planner

Email: mzochowski@mercercounty.org