A new traffic pattern, coming soon to the intersection at routes 518 and 206 in Skillman, is expected to speed up the time it takes motorists to get through the busy corner — anchored by WaWa, ShopRite, the Tiger's Tale, a gas station, and a bank. But some local residents fear traffic may be diverted elsewhere.
Montgomery Township Administrator Donato Nieman says the plan (on the books for 10 to 15 years) will be funded by the developers of the Montgomery Promenade — Madison Marquette, who will be building the 270,000-square-foot retail “town center” to be anchored by a multi-plex cinema/bowling alley and an LL Bean.
“The change will speed up the time it takes to drive through the intersection,” Nieman says.
The intersection is currently rated an F, on a scale of A to F for failure. The change will prohibit drivers headed south on Route 206 towards Princeton from making a left turn onto 518 East towards Rocky Hill.
Instead, drivers will continue through the 206/518 intersection, make a right onto a loop road (to be named Bolmer Corner), and a second right to continue onto Rt. 518 East.
Rocky Hill residents are not so sure the new traffic pattern will provide relief.
“There are 10,000 cars that go through our one mile Rocky Hill Borough on a daily basis,” says Rocky Hill Mayor Philip Kartsonis.
“When the Millstone River floods, this number goes up dramatically. The new traffic pattern will bring even more traffic to Montgomery Avenue which is a concern.”
A road construction start date has yet to be set. ■
