Long Valley Safety Project Would Transform Schooley's Mountain Road

Depending on the car, the weather conditions, or size of truck, Schooley’s Mountain Road–the main artery of Washington Township–has seen its fair share of stalled vehicles, weather-related wrecks, and even fatalities.

That’s why, about 20 years ago, according to Washington Township Mayor Ken Short, the Long Valley Safety Project was considered to alleviate the traffic problems that occur on the county road between Camp Washington and East Mill Roads.

Over the years there have been about seven different plans considered to construct a bypass for that portion of Schooley’s Mountain, according to Short. The final plan was adopted just five years ago.

On Friday, March 25, the Christie Administration announced it would give $3.5 billion to the state for various road projects in 2011. .

This comes in addition to $800,000 appropriated by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen about three years ago, Short said. All funds thus far have been used for planning and engineering costs.

The project would bypass the stretch of approximately 0.8 miles, and plans have considered turning Schooley’s Mountain Road into a cul-de-sac at ‘Big Turn’, just north of the . The new road would head downhill from ‘Big Turn’ and end up across the street from the . The bypass would be a two-lane road with a shoulder. 

The property next to the Middle School, where the annual Fireworks Festival takes place, would be turned into an extension of the bypass road, and loop around to Fairmount Road across from the . If a traveler was heading from the east along Rt. 513, a connecting road would begin at and would connect to the entryway at the Creamery.

“About a decade ago,” Short said, “when an initial estimate was constructed for the project, a total of about $7 million was quoted. Now, 10 years later, I would assume it would be up around $13 to $15 million.”

Short also estimates that the project likely wouldn’t begin for another seven years or so. The residents on Grove Street, the road closest to ‘Big Turn’, would not be affected whatsoever, according to Short.

“It could (positively) affect the businesses down in that area,” Short said. “It could become a more viable business area and allow for more street parking.”

Short cited a study that was done nearly six years ago stating approximately 87 percent of travelers on Schooley’s Mountain Road were not from Washington Township, but rather from neighboring areas like Hackettstown, Mansfield, Independence and Green Township, using the county road as a throughway.

“There are a lot of people who are really against it and a lot who are certainly in favor of it,” Short said. “But if the studies show that it can be done and that it will increase safety along the roads, then I think it’s a good plan.”