By Tejal A. Patel, Contributing Author
Each day, thousands of motorists drive on a 2.42-mile stretch of Kings Highway (County Road 551), a designated urban minor arterial with a posted speed limit of 25 mph in Camden County, N.J.
The highway lies between Market Street (County Road 634) and Hopkins Road (County Road 647), within the Boroughs of Mt. Ephraim, Haddon Heights and Audubon. It is an essential corridor for connecting communities and supporting regional development, embodying the spirit of progress and innovation in Southern New Jersey.
The roadway has only undergone minor improvements over the last 100 years. It was last improved in 1964. Since then, it has seen numerous underground utility installations, as well as emergency roadway and utility repairs, leading to a mosaic patchwork of concrete and bituminous roadway surfaces, non-compliant curb ramps and missing sidewalk connections.
This has made traveling an unpleasant experience for motorists, pedestrians, transit buses and bicyclists.
In September, Camden County broke ground on the Kings Highway rehabilitation project to update the corridor to meet contemporary and regulatory needs.
King Highway’s rehabilitation represents a landmark achievement for the county. This transformative project is the first of its kind in Camden County in three decades, and it is thanks to collaboration between the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the governing bodies from the boroughs of Mount Ephraim, Haddon Heights and Audubon.
The involvement of a diverse array of stakeholders, two elementary schools, two shade tree commissions, three major utility companies and three police departments ensured that the upcoming project addressed the needs of community members while also enhancing safety, connectivity and rider satisfaction in Southern New Jersey.
Kings Highway has long been a vital transportation rout. Its importance stretches beyond its current role and is a source of pride for these communities.
During the American Revolution, this area was the site of a pivotal skirmish that unfolded across what is now six towns in present-day Camden County. The adjacent Haddon Lake Park, developed during the 1930s in the New Deal era by the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps, adds recreational value to the area.
The collective commitment of these communities, including local governing bodies and stakeholders, has made what once seemed an impossible feat a reality, underscoring the power of collaboration in public infrastructure projects.
The rehabilitation effort includes upgrades designed to renew the roadway surface while adopting complete street guidance to ensure that the proposed design improves accessibility for all users. Key aspects of the project include:
Public Outreach: Engagement with major stakeholders — including officials from three boroughs, residents and merchants, schools, NJ Transit, Conrail, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Camden County Soil Conservation District, Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden County Department of Engineering, Camden County Public Works, Camden County Municipal Utility Authority (CCMUA), PSE&G (gas and electric), New Jersey American Water (NJAW – potable water for the three boroughs and sanitary sewer for the Borough of Mt. Ephraim), Verizon, AT&T and Comcast — to ensure that the project met the needs of the community and minimized disruptions.
Pavement Restoration and Rehabilitation: The project will utilize a combination of bituminous milling, overlay restoration and full-depth reclamation to restore and enhance the roadway surface, ensuring a smoother and more durable driving experience.
Improved Safety: High-visibility crosswalks will be installed at all intersections and rectangular rapid flashing beacons will be installed at two critical intersections with high pedestrian traffic to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists. It is expected that these updates will help prevent accidents and improve the overall safety. Curb extensions are proposed to slow down traffic and shorten crosswalk distances at strategic locations within the project limits with extensive pedestrian traffic.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliant: The installation of 94 new curb ramps and new sidewalk connectivity at locations without sidewalks will ensure accessibility for all individuals, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Comprehensive repairs and improvements to sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure will address current deficiencies and support long-term sustainability aimed to benefit homeowners and business owners.
The rehabilitation project addresses longstanding infrastructure issues and enhances the road’s functionality and safety. The county’s goal is to ensure that the highway continues to serve the community effectively, providing a reliable and safe route for future generations.
The project will deliver long-term benefits by enhancing safety, accessibility and connectivity for all users, continuing to serve as a vital link that connects communities and supports growth. RB
Tejal A. Patel, PE, CME, LEED AP, is an associate and client manager for T&M Associates.
