Day: November 29, 2019

Updated: Serious Bus Accident on NJ Turnpike, One Fatality Reported, Several Injured

November 29, 2019 (updated 11/30/2019 to include official information from NJSP)

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP–One person has died in a bus accident on the NJ Turnpike and several others had moderate to minor injuries. A bus traveling south on the NJ Turnpike was en route from New York City to Philadelphia, PA., NJ State Police said.

The south bound bus was in the area of mile marker 56.9 lost control and ran off the roadway by the Crosswicks Creek Bridge. It appears the guardrail and barrier had kept the bus from falling off the embankment of the bridge and into the creek below.

The Robbinsville Township Fire Department, IAFF Local #3786, Bordentown Township Fire Department IAFF Local #3091 were dispatched at 8:49 pm, also numerous first aid squads were requested and responded to the scene.

New Jersey State Police said that there were at least 20 passengers on board the bus at the time of crash and some passengers left the scene on their own.

There were seven injuries reported, six were minor and one moderate. The one “moderately” injured person had to be extricated and was transported to Capital Health in Hopewell. One injury was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton and five refused treatment.

The NJ State Police did not release the name of the deceased, pending notification of family members.

The bus was operated by Skyliner Travel and Tours Bus Corp from Astoria, NY

A Hyundai traveling behind the bus was damaged by debris of the crash but did not impact the bus. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NJ State Police.

Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Santa Parade

November 29, 2019

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

HIGHSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Annual Christmas Lighting of the Highstown Engine Company #1 lights and Santa Parade was held on November 29, 2019. Santa was escorted to the firehouse in a parade of fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and a float of Hightstown High School Softball players. When Santa got to the firehouse he threw the big light switch to light the firehouse Christmas lights. Santa proceeded upstairs to meet children and hear their Christmas wishes and have a photo take with Santa. The Girl Scouts also sang Christmas carols during the event.

The 8th Annual Black Friday Fun Run

November 29, 2019

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 8th Annual Black Friday Fun Run to help the Special Olympics New Jersey was held today at the Robbinsville Town Center gazebo. The run has raised well over $42,500. since 2012 for Special Olympics New Jersey.

The run started at 10 a.m. with runners in the front completing 2 laps around the lake. Walkers started in the back completing 1 lap around the Town Center Lake. This was a “fun run” no official time is kept. Door prizes were held after the event

Traffic Safety Message

November 29, 2019

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A few days ago I received a message and a snap telling me that “the sign got hacked” there is a funny message on it, and that was not the case. The Robbinsville Police Department used some humor to try and bring education to the public about the use of drugs and driving. Hopefully this humorous message reminds people of the seriousness not to drive while using drugs or drinking. This was a great idea and brought good attention to the cause to keep us safe on the roads.

Dancer, Clifton district awarded more than $3.25 million in transportation grants

November 29, 2019
TRENTON, N.J. – Thirteen municipalities in the 12th legislative district will receive more than $3.25 million in grants from the Department of Transportation, Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton announced today.
 
“This funding will help get vital roadway projects moving and will make much-needed improvements for the benefit of motorists,” said Dancer (R-Ocean).
 
The towns in Dancer and Clifton’s district will use the money for roadway preservation, one of the seven project categories under the municipal aid program. The others include roadway safety, quality of life, mobility, bikeway, pedestrian safety and bridge preservation.
 
“Local commuters and families deserve safer roads, resurfaced roads and peace of mind when travelling in our district. These funds will provide a better and safer experience,” said Clifton (R-Monmouth).
 
NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project.
 
The following towns and projects in district 12 have been awarded funding:

Municipality                     Grant Amount         Name of Project
Chesterfield Township $244,000.00 Sykesville Rd Improvements Phase II
New Hanover Township $244,000.00 Cookstown Hockamick Road
North Hanover Township $240,000.00 Schoolhouse Road Phase II
Old Bridge Township $312,338.00 Phillips Drive Improvements
Allentown Borough $180,000.00 Improvements to Waldron Road, Quinn Road, and Hamilton Street
Englishtown Borough $154,000.00 Heritage Drive and Raymond Court Improvements
Manalapan Township $270,000.00 Improvements to Gordons Corner Road
Matawan Borough $200,000.00 Overbrook Lane Improvements
Millstone Township $180,000.00 Nurko Road
Roosevelt Borough $255,000.00 Improvements to School Lane
Upper Freehold Township $330,000.00 Burlington Path Road
Jackson Township $425,000.00 Improvements to Wright DeBow Road, Phase II
Plumsted Township $218,000.00 Tower Road Resurfacing