In the aftermath of a tragic accident in Cherry Hill, concerns have been raised by residents regarding a section of Kings Highway that has witnessed multiple accidents, some of them fatal. Issues such as poorly timed traffic signals and broken streetlights have come to the forefront, sparking a discussion about the need for safer roadway conditions.
The incident that has spurred this community concern occurred on August 31st when a pedestrian lost their life after being struck near the intersection of Kings Highway and Ormond Avenue. Sadly, this was not an isolated event. In March 2020, a 71-year-old woman suffered a similar fate while attempting to cross the highway at the same intersection. These heartbreaking incidents have highlighted the pressing need for improvements to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists on this stretch of Kings Highway.
Yolanda Lorenz, a Cherry Hill resident, spoke passionately about her own close encounters with tragedy while crossing Kings Highway between Route 70 and Chapel. She emphasized the significant pedestrian and cyclist traffic in the area, pointing to the urgency of addressing the safety concerns. Lorenz suggested that the township appoint a liaison or establish a task force dedicated to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist crossings in this section of Route 41—a state highway under the jurisdiction of the NJ Department of Transportation.
Rick Short, another concerned resident, shed light on the issue of broken streetlights that cast a shadow over Kings Highway. After a friend’s son was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, Short took it upon himself to identify three malfunctioning traffic signals in the vicinity. He drew attention to the stark contrast between the well-lit intersection at Interstate 295 and Route 70 and the dimly lit accident site at Kings Highway and Route 70.
During the Township Council meeting, Police Chief Robert Kempf shared that the state had recently reviewed the timing of traffic signals at Kings and Chapel. He committed to checking if a similar assessment had been conducted at Kings and Chelten Parkway, another area of concern along this highway.
Council President David Fleisher encouraged Kempf to obtain comprehensive updates from both the state and the Cherry Hill Police Department’s traffic personnel. He suggested that the township could then organize a briefing to keep the community informed about the progress of addressing these safety concerns.
It’s essential to remember that the most recent fatal accident involved a pedestrian who entered the roadway without taking proper precautions. While addressing traffic signals and streetlights is crucial, pedestrian safety education and awareness also play a vital role in preventing future tragedies.
In the face of these challenges, the Cherry Hill community is coming together to advocate for safer road conditions on Kings Highway. By voicing their concerns and collaborating with local authorities, they hope to create a safer environment for all residents and commuters.
