DOT should get out of Byram

The state department of transportation continues its hostile occupation of Byram by insisting on its Route 206 concept despite the opposition of Byram’s elected officials. Byram’s proposals are similar to the DOT’s own proposal for Princeton (1/18/06 Star Ledger Somerset Edition), But I guess Princeton is more important than Byram. The Route 206 Byram project is described as a roadway rehabilitation and repaving project under the DOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Program. Under that moniker, the DOT doesn’t have to do an environmetal impact study nor obtain other permits. Since the DOT Byram plan adds transportation capacity, it is counter to the Highlands Preservation Act, which exempts roadwork but not added lanes in the reserved area. The whole widening project is unnecessary and counterproductive because: 1 The longer green light time (90+ seconds) at Waterloo Road light for Route 206S in the morning has eliminated the up to 20 minute traffic delay which extended as far north as Cranberry Firehouse for many years. Traffic is now often nonstop at the speed limit in the morning hours. 2 The northbound evening rush hours delay is alleviated or eliminated when the Waterloo light is set at 120 seconds. Formerly that light was set at 35-45 seconds with Waterloo-Brookside also at 35-45 seconds. 3 There has never been delay of northbound traffic north of Waterloo Rd. The highway revision done for Shop Rite Byram is functional and pleasant. 4 The ridiculous and ugly $25m Catswamp Mountain Project overkill is unnecessary since the safety improvements of the past 10 years, including roadway lane revisions, better lines, and center line traffic buttons. 5 The required 20 ft. for the road widening plus the 8 ft. for sidewalk and grass strip, would eliminate so much commercial parking space, and left turns out of driveways would be so much more difficult, that business would suffer. The NJ DOT should save our tax money, end their occupation of Byram, adjust the traffic lights, and get out of town! M.E, Kostelnik Andover Township