Burlington Review

Burlington County is initiating measures to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Burlington County Board of Commissioners announced that the county received $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's new Safe Streets for All program. This funding will be used to study and plan improvements aimed at increasing safety for vulnerable road users.

The county intends to analyze existing infrastructure and accident data to identify hazardous intersections and areas. The funds will also help pinpoint specific improvements and projects, including new off-road pedestrian and bicycle trails.

Burlington County was the only jurisdiction in New Jersey to receive this funding. Nationwide, 99 communities were awarded a combined total of $63 million from the Safe Streets for All program.

“If you drive, bike, walk, run or roll, we want everyone to easily and safely access all the destinations that make Burlington County unique and special,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “This Safe Streets for All grant will allow our county to take a more in-depth look at areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk and identify actions to improve transportation and accessibility for all residents.”

The county is already involved in a regional study with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission focused on improving traffic safety across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region. Officials stated that the new pedestrian and bicyclist safety plan would extend this regional study, known as Regional Vision Zero.

Burlington County has developed over 50 miles of regional and park trails. Recent additions include a section of the Delaware River Heritage Trail between Bordentown and Florence, as well as the first leg of the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail, which is planned to eventually span from the Delaware River to Pemberton Township.

Additionally, the county recently opened Arney’s Mount Trail in Springfield, featuring both paved and crushed stone hiking and biking trails around Burlington County’s highest elevation.

Several other trail projects are in various stages of planning and design. These include extending the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail from Pennington Park in Delanco to Willingboro Lakes Park in Willingboro, along with constructing a safe pedestrian/bicycle crossing across Route 130.

Last fall, Burlington County Commissioners authorized a study of potential new accessible walking and bicycle trails through central and southern towns such as Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Evesham, Tabernacle, and Shamong. These trails would connect with local municipal open spaces as well as neighboring Camden County's trail network.

“Burlington County is proud to be a leader in New Jersey in creating trails and improving mobility and accessibility for all residents,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel. “This funding will help us continue to plan projects that will improve safety while expanding accessibility throughout our county.”

New Jersey Assemblyman Herb Conaway commended Burlington County's efforts: “We need transportation infrastructure to be safe and accessible for all users,” he said. “Burlington County has already created an impressive network of pedestrian and bicycle trails that allow residents to move about freely. This study will help identify new projects to improve safety so more residents can benefit.”