The Route 9 widening project spoken about for years, is becoming a reality, Mayor Ray Coles tells TLS.
During a recent meeting with the State, Mayor Ray Coles, Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein and other local officials, the State acknowledged that “despite all former promises, this is the first time it’s actually on the docket,” Mayor Coles said.
Route 9 property owners just received the attached letter, which was welcoming news.
Committeeman Lichtenstein – who the Mayor says was even more involved than he was, confirmed and welcomed the breakthrough development.
“The Commissioner of the DOT confirmed with us that the first step in getting Route 9 widened, has been funded.” Committeeman Lichtenstien tells TLS.
There are two projects involved, says Committeeman Lichtenstein.
The first project, which is set to begin in 2019, is a low-cost-high-impact project which will focus on turning lanes and intersections. The second project, which will involved the actual widening, is the part the DOT Commissioner confirmed has been funded – for the first time. The State highway projects will be paid for by the State.
Over the years, there have been dozens of meetings pertaining to the Route 9 widening, but as Coles says, “this is real.”
In fact, TLS has learned that the first meeting to widen Route 9 was held in 1969, by then Lakewood Mayor John Franklin. Franklin then met with Mayors from Howell and Dover to discuss Route 9, but this is the first time the project is actually being funded.
As part of recent efforts, many property owners along Route 9 agreed to give away from their property in order to widen the road – something which will make the process much easier.
Wow thank you . Such good news .
This is for repaving, and adding a turning lane. Not for widening.
those of us who have been in lkwd since the 60’s remember how rte 9 was one lane all the way to sayrville and was widened bit by bit, the last widening took place from freehold through Howell in 1986. what the one lane south of the lake looks like today used to be the same way in howell and on Fridays it would take about to get here just from Freehold
Thank you to our commitee men,Mayor Ray Coles and Meir Lichenstein and the rest of the commitee who work endless hours and give their hearts to Lakewood. All we hear all day is the bad mouthing from a few angry people that are jealous and wish only bad. They wish they were on the commitee. Lakewood! Don’t fall for it we are positive people not negative people falling into a downward spiral of hate and anger. Do what’s right be positive be optimistic and look to the future focus on what will become in a big picture not on a few peoples angry agenda that is based on revenge.
Fake news
how about all of us old timers remember route 9 being one lane in each direction all the way to New York , yes not that long ago in the sixties
Until I see the road actually paved, I won’t believe it will be happening. No offense to all those working to get this done, but it’s been years of empty promises from the state.
It isn’t gonna matter. Lakewood is cluttered and the widening will just add more delays and traffic headaches in lakewood.
I sure hope moshiach comes long before this gets completed.
That’s great
I think that studying the impact of traffic on route 9 and figuring out if we will gain from it will help all of us.
But why do we need it? Increased density is enough to reduce traffic on its own. By adding a few thousand units south of the lake, we should be able to decrease the amount of cars by a comparable number.
Why waste money on widening?
Believe it when I see it!
Amazing how some people just don’t have comprehension or simple reading skills.
The letter is one thing, but the article clearly quotes the committeeman who says “The Commissioner of the DOT confirmed with us that the first step in getting Route 9 widened, has been funded.”
Some will always look to complain. Even if a 10 lane highway was made and there would be no traffic, some will complain “we need a smaller highway – this town is too big.”
And while I’m at it, as a non-jewi, I’m just so disgusted at some of the bitter people in this town. It’s just astonishing how a few disgruntled people will try to make a beautiful town sound like a failure. Do we have some issues? Yes, but get a grip and if you don’t like this town, just (moderated) leave! There are plenty places in America to go. But for God’s sake, stop the (moderated) whining already.
I actually stopped going to the township functions a few years ago, when all I heard was (moderated) and shouting.
Thank you to the Scoop guys for doing a great job in keeping the silent majority of this town informed with up to the minute news, and staying a civil site with the real facts. You guys do a great job.
A waste of money. We have all heard the formula, more houses = less cars. The more people that live south of the lake, the less people are going to use the roads to get around. If we bring less people then suddenly there will be lots of cars on the road
can someone explain the comments about south of the lake? what about the movable barriers that change the lane in the direction of rush hour would that help ?
Yasher Kiach to all those that made it possible
Dear fellow Lakewooders of course it will happen “when there’s a will there’s a way” and the township has a will
Big Yasher Koach and chat Kosher visameach
This is great news for people and businesses along Rt 9. Think of all the money they will get from the state (taxpayers) when some of their property is bought for the widening. BIG $$$$ per square foot.
Can someone explain why the small minor, but helpful changes, such as adding turning lanes etc. has to wait until 2019?
We aren’t talking about widening the lane…and its been requisted for the longest time already…..with well over a year left (assuming they aren’t planning on late 2019) that means potential accidents Hashem Yishmor that can be avoided if we can tackle this in 2017 or at the very latest 2018. Why 2019?
@Stephan W. 100% correct i think every one needs to read that
I’m really worried about the slow moving traffic going away…it’s such a good time to catch up on some thoughts, read all the news and of course text and message all my contacts. What will we worry about when the traffic disappears, all the land developed and all the busses run on time? When will we use our horns or make a kidush HaShem by letting people turn in front of us?
I’m really worried Lakewood will become the boring place it was, only 20 years ago. When people had time to talk, think and appreciate the surrounding. I’m sure you get the drift…let’s wake up and appreciate what we have. Be thankful for those who hold positions we would not want to hold. Understand, there is a bigger purpose in life, so enjoy the ride.
Once they’re widening it, I think it should be 6 lanes(3 each way).Because by the time it’s completed(sometime after 2020) the town will be twice as large and we’ll be back at it again complaining about the traffic and asking for Rt 9 widening.