On March 18, 2025, Middletown Township hosted a public input session on CR520/Newman Springs Road to discuss safety concerns due to numerous crashes, reckless driving, and speeding along the corridor. Monmouth County and Middletown Township officials, along with a representative from U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle attended this open and productive discussion.

Monmouth County Engineering Director Joseph Ettore presented a proposal for potential improvements to Newman Springs Road and the road’s access intersections and driveways. Phase one of the proposal is the expansion of the current rear Acme access road which will be expanded to 2-way travel. Middletown purchased the easement which would allow in-and-out traffic behind the Bank of America and Jersey Pride, along with a pedestrian sidewalk. This access road will be an alternative to left turns to and from the businesses in the northeast quadrant, a high conflict area where many crashes occur.

Middletown Police Traffic Safety officer Lieutenant Ciccone discussed the increased enforcement activities along the 520 corridor. Mayor Perry introduced a new software program purchased from Urban SDK that provides real time data on speed and traffic volumes throughout Middletown. Middletown will be meeting with neighboring Holmdel and Red Bank to analyze the speed limits along the corridor. Additionally, as part of the redevelopment at RiverCentre at Exit 109, the developer must perform a traffic investigation study that will provide additional data as inputs for traffic calming and safety initiatives.

Many helpful suggestions and observations were brought forth by attendees of the information session. The Township and County are committed to hearing public concerns and working toward safer road conditions for the community. More information can be found on the County Engineering website, where public comments on the plan will soon be solicited.

Members of the LVGA Board of Directors and the newly formed Lincroft Safe Streets Coalition also attended the meeting to share concerns, get more details about the plan elements, and provide feedback. The LVGA will be analyzing the plan with traffic engineer and roundabout expert Michael J. Wallwork to present a position statement to the County. Another meeting will be organized by Middletown for May 2025. If you have any questions, email directorlvga@gmail.com.

Click to enlarge and see proposed plan below.  Also viewable via PDF here.