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Gloucester supervisors back Bellroy, Route‑17 projects and decline RCUT proposal for Route 14
Summary
Presented by county planners, four preliminary Smart Scale projects were discussed. Supervisors opposed a restricted crossing U‑turn (RCUT) at Crab Thicket/Route 14, ranked the Bellroy turn‑lane project highest, and asked staff to return with collision data and formal project rankings for preliminary applications.
Gloucester County supervisors on Tuesday reviewed a slate of proposed Smart Scale transportation projects and signaled which ones they want moved forward for preliminary applications.
Carol Rizzio, assistant director of planning and zoning, walked the board through seven potential county submissions and additional regionally submitted options. "It does not mean that you absolutely 100% support them. These are just ones to move forward at this time," Rizzio told the board as she described intersections, RCUTs (restricted crossing U‑turns), turn‑lane extensions and sidewalk alternatives.
The proposal that drew the most debate was an RCUT at Crab Thicket and Route 14. Supporters said the configuration reduces conflict points and is a lower‑cost way to improve safety. Several supervisors opposed the RCUT, arguing it will divert local traffic, create new t‑bone risks near a downhill approach and frustrate typical traffic patterns. "I'm not in favor of the R cut on 14," the chair said during the discussion, and others urged staff to seek alternatives such as lowered speed limits or traffic signals where feasible.
The board voiced general support for advancing three other county projects — including a turn‑lane and signal‑phasing package at Bellroy and pedestrian improvements at Route 17 and Hospital Drive — and asked staff to provide collision and traffic counts and to return in June or July with ranked projects and a proposed resolution of support. Staff noted the sidewalk option along Roaring Springs Road would require boardwalks in wetland areas and carry higher cost than a pedestrian signal that could be funded by local state funds.
What happens next: staff will compile accident data and formal rankings for the board, which must later approve a formal resolution before final Smart Scale applications are submitted.
