Woolwich seeks revised scopes for LEAP grant consultants and a Route 322 traffic study

Under Old Business on Oct. 6, the Woolwich Township Committee heard updates on two consultant proposals.

Mayor Matthias reported that a meeting with the Fire Chief and RFQ respondents for a LEAP grant review eliminated one proposal that exceeded the $75,000 grant amount and another that did not provide numbers; two proposals remain under consideration and the mayor said a recommendation is expected by Oct. 18. The minutes record that the chief is checking references in other municipalities where similar work was performed.

The committee also considered a proposal from Remington & Vernick Engineers (RVE) for a traffic study at the Route 322 and Garwin Road intersection. The RVE scope presented includes analysis of improvement options such as traffic signal synchronization, signalization, widening for turning lanes, turning restrictions or conversion to one-way operation. The study as presented would use existing data from the past five years rather than new traffic counts and carries a proposed cost and a 12-week timeline. Committee members expressed concern that the price was high for an analysis of existing data only, that the Phase 3 options list appeared limited and that the committee needs interim solutions while waiting for state action on Route 322; the mayor agreed to request a refined scope with additional options and a lower price before the next meeting.