High Tide Responsible for Traffic Problems in Brooklawn
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
By Sara Martino
Gloucester City News
The railroad has jurisdiction over the crossing near the tracks, and it has never been permissible for vehicles to go through the opening,” said Mayor Theresa Branella during last week’s Brooklawn Borough Council meeting.
“Although emergency vehicles are permitted to use the opening when necessary,” Branella said.
When flooding occurs at the Brooklawn circles and on Broadway, many motorists are cutting through the opening, she said.
Sometimes an allowance for the use may be made, but it is intended only for the residents who have to reach their homes and not for other out-of-town motorists, the mayor said.
“The high tide, the new moon and rush hour traffic and tidal flooding around the circles and parts of Route 130, and even Route 47 going into Westville, created quite a back up a few weeks ago. It took me two hours to get home from Philadelphia that day,” she said.
“The flood waters create a dangerous situation. Hundreds of cars want to use the crossing. Two police officers are needed to direct traffic at those times,” Police Chief Francis McKinney said.
During a work session meeting, the flooding was also discussed and the rule that was stated is that the railroad crossing is only opened if the west side of town is flooded at both ends, i.e. the circle and Broadway going to Gloucester City.
Councilman Greg Gilbert said the redoing and re-leveling of the Broadway Bridge should decrease some of the flooding.
“The County also intends to fix the circle,” he said.
Borough Clerk Barbara Lewis read a letter from a resident that praised the Public Works employees who performed well above their requirements for the job.
The mayor asked Public Works Manager Donna Domico to inform her crew that their work and politeness is noticed.
Council approved a resolution to award a contract for a 2011 dump truck from H.A. DeHart and Son for $69,887.
Paul Ware accompanied by grandmother Joan Chudzinski of Bellmawr, was recognized for his attendance at the council meeting.
He told the mayor that he is a member of Boy Scout Troop 67 of Haddon Heights, and his attendance at the meeting was a requirement for attaining his Eagle Scout badge.
Comments made by residents included the heavy traffic problems at Pennsylvania and Paris avenues, and “terrible conditions” at the apartments on Fourth Avenue.
