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Clove Road junction redo proposals unveiled
(by Tom Boud - September 23, 2008)
LITTLE FALLS - Straightening out an eastside crossroads has people commenting every which way.
On Sept. 16, proposals for a Clove Road/Long Hill Road intersection reconstruction were unveiled at a forum at the Township Civic Center. Several dozen people, including Mayor Eugene Kulick, attended the meeting, which was part of Passaic County’s study on improving the junction.
Steve Edmond, Passaic County engineer, discussed the proposal along with design professionals from Dewberry Goodkind of Parsippany, and Charles Silverstein, Passaic County traffic engineer.
A range of options were mentioned, including leaving the intersection alone. The first reconstruction idea is constructing a connecting roadway between Clove and Long Hill Roads. The second is a possibly signalized right turn ramp at the intersection, with a roundabout at Clove Road and MSU’s Quarry Road.
The third is a right turn ramp at a signalized Clove to Long Hill Road junction, with a non-signalized Clove and Quarry Road junction. This is the engineer preferred approach for rebuilding the intersection, priced at $7.9 million.
The fourth is a realigned Clove/Long Hill T-shaped intersection, with or without traffic light, and a Clove/Quarry roundabout. The fifth is a Clove/Long Hill roundabout, with non-signalized Clove/Quarry junction.
Edmond said none of the propositions are set in stone, pending further evaluation.
All the reconstruction options fall between a $5.6 to $7.9 million price tag. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) has secured $2.8 million from the 2005 Transportation Bill for the work.
Edmond said the public opinion process is open for 30 days, following the meeting. Plans and comment sheets will be left at town hall. The engineer said the county will consult Little Falls leaders for their viewpoints.
Tony Fulco, Dewberry Goodkind project manager, said the intersection has shortcomings.
“The right from Clove Road to Long Hill Road is a difficult turn to make while remaining in the right lane.”
In addition, traffic is expected to climb over the next two decades at the junction, due to increasing MSU enrollment.
Fulco also said a refurbished intersection would better transition into the 20 degree Long Hill Road rise, encountered on right hand turns.
Not surprisingly, the topic has sparked reaction from the audience.
Ralph Nuzzo of Little Falls said the junction needs to be upgraded.
“The reality is that no matter what you do with one of these intersections, any one of these options is better than what you have.”
Also commenting was Ed Schumacher, who owns and aims to develop 65 Woods Road. Schumacher said a better Clove/Long Hill connection is beneficial for motorists, but may invite university residence hall construction.
“If this intersection is improved, of course, it’s going to help Little Falls. The problem is, down the road, it’s going to make it more accessible for Montclair State University to reach Clove Road. Maybe Montclair, looking for more dorms, will be looking at Woods Road.”
Nuzzo also cited the university factor.
“The difficulty is MSU is exempt from any of the zoning requirements. They can choose whatever they want to do.”
In a later interview, Minne Ho - MSU spokesperson - said such concerns are far from fact.
“That’s really speculation. That’s really looking into a crystal ball. That’s really too far into the future to see what plans will take shape.
Electra Davis of Little Falls also spoke that night.
“Does it matter what we have to say? I’d appreciate it if they didn’t take my property away. I love living there.”
Edmond said all the statements made will be weighed.
Marlene Krell of Little Falls said she feels any project should include a stoplight at the intersection of Long Hill and Clove Road.
Margie Lynch of Little Falls touched on another issue.
“The problem is there is so much traffic, we can’t get in and out of our driveways, and you are going to give us more traffic.”
Edmond said county officials hope to select a plan by the end of the year.
In an e-mail, Pascrell said he is glad the project is moving forward. The congressman said the junction ranks among Passaic County’s most dangerous.
“With Clove Road serving as of only two major exits from Montclair State University, and a major throughway for traffic from Route 46, it is essential that we make safety a priority. Like so much of our roadway infrastructure, the intersection at Clove and Long Hill was not designed to handle the volume of traffic it takes everyday.”
Caley Gray - a Pascrell aide - said the congressman will push for more intersection reconstruction funding, after the county decides on a specific course of action.
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