Potential Roundabout Coming To Mendham As Part Of Road Safety Plan 

MENDHAM, NJ — A few Mendham roads may soon be made safer thanks to a new round of federal funding allocated to the township and borough.

Morris County announced on Friday afternoon that they will receive $3 million in federal funds for recommended safety improvements at five intersections within Mendham Township, Mendham Borough, and Dover.

Mendham will be awarded $1,885,000 of the total amount, which will be used in both the borough and the township.

"These improvements will help to create a safer environment in an area frequented by people of all ages, particularly high school students, as well as those going to the local shopping center or the nearby post office," said Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw, who serves as Morris County’s representative to the NJTPA Board.

In Mendham, the main focus would be on two intersections, officials said. The funds could be used to improve safety and overall operations at two intersections along East Main Street/Mendham Road (CR 510) from Tempe Wick Road (CR 646) to Cold Hill Road in the Borough of Mendham and Mendham Township.

A new roundabout, upgraded street lighting, pedestrian signal upgrades, accessible curb ramps, and high-visibility crosswalks could be among the potential enhancements.

In addition, at the intersection of East Main Street (CR 510) and Tempe Wick Road (CR 646), a new traffic signal might be installed. Tempe Wick Road is divided by a teardrop island, but there are no pedestrian facilities.

According to Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, this money is only for a study, so there is no set guarantee of how or what this project will look like.

The projects, which are part of a total of 19 safety improvements totaling $188.3 million across the NJTPA region, were approved by the NJTPA Board of Trustees on March 13.

The funds will be used to support two programs: the local safety program and the high-risk rural roads program. These programs provide funding for high-impact, low-cost solutions to reduce crashes and improve safety for all travelers.

The funding approved for the programs has more than doubled since the previous program cycle in 2020.

"The increases are the result of highly successful partnerships between the NJTPA and its member county and city governments to deliver vitally important projects on our local roads. This federal support helps free up local dollars, state aid and municipal aid for other priorities," said Passaic County Commissioner John W. Bartlett, the current Chair of the NJTPA.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 counties in northern New Jersey. Under federal law, MPOs serve as a forum for local officials, public transportation providers, and state agency representatives to collaborate on planning to meet the region's current and future transportation needs.

Correction: This article has been updated with new information from the Morris County Office of Communications & Digital Media regarding the use of funding.