The Burlington County Commissioners announced on Mar. 25 that they are advancing a project to reconstruct the intersection of Route 130 and Florence-Columbus Road in partnership with the State of New Jersey.
The intersection, located in Florence Township, is known for heavy traffic congestion due to trucks and shift workers traveling to nearby warehouses as well as Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike’s Exit 6A interchange. More than 12,000 vehicles use Florence-Columbus Road at this intersection each day. The planned improvements aim to address safety concerns and relieve congestion for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
“Safe and reliable highways and bridges are essential for Burlington County’s economy, environment and quality of life,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felica Hopson. “This project will help relieve congestion and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. We’re excited to partner with the State to expedite this project so construction can start as quickly as possible.” The proposal includes reconstructing the intersection, adding a new connector roadway with a traffic signal, widening Route 130 for dedicated right turn lanes, redesigning an existing jughandle, building a roundabout at Birch Hollow Drive south of Florence-Columbus Road, and improving pedestrian and bicycle access.
Under a shared service agreement between Burlington County and the state government, the county engineer’s office will lead preliminary engineering work while receiving financial support from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Previously led by NJDOT since Route 130 is a state highway, this change is expected to speed up progress. State Senator Troy Singleton played a key role in facilitating this arrangement. “These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of those of us who live in the area and travel the corridor. This partnership between NJDOT and Burlington County will help this project move forward from concept to construction without further delay,” Singleton said.
Florence Mayor Kristan Marter has also advocated for these upgrades since 2016. “Currently, the congestion makes getting into and out of our town nearly impossible, and it’s also dangerous. It’s why we’ve been pushing for this intersection to be improved since 2016,” Marter said.
Burlington County encompasses an area of 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions according to its official website. It operates under a Board of County Commissioners consisting of five at-large members; Eve Cullinan serves as county administrator according to its official website.
Commissioner Randy Brolo highlighted how infrastructure upgrades align with regional growth: “Burlington County is New Jersey’s largest county… Upgrading this intersection will improve the safety and well-being of numerous county residents…”
The broader implications include improved transportation flow through an important corridor connecting communities along Route 130 between New York City-Philadelphia routes—a priority given ongoing development trends in Burlington County.
