Gregory
>>> "Gregory Pietsch" <GK...@flash.net> 06/09/02 10:59PM >>>
Dear ACEs,
In 1996, I wrote an editorial in the Trenton Times asking if it seemed
apropos to redesignate the North-South Freeway (NJ 42) and the Atlantic City
Expressway (NJ 446, but don't tell anyone) as an extension of I-76. I
realize that to do this, the state of New Jersey would have to make sure
that the ACE was up to interstate standards (possibly needing a minimum of
three lanes in each direction), and then petition the Feds, or something
like that. The northern end of NJ 42 would be where it meets the ACE.
Anyway, it would make one single highway designation between Philadelphia
and Atlantic City, it would be an extension of an existing interstate so
there wouldn't be a new number, and you guys would still run the part that
would be the ACE. So, what do you think of this proposal?
Sincerely,
Gregory Pietsch
Dear Mr. Pietsch,
Thank you for your interest in the Atlantic City Expressway. I am not aware
of any movement to renumber the roadways. Although we are not opposed to
the idea, I am not sure that it wouldn't add to the confusion in the area.
It may make it simple for someone from Philadelphia to get to Atlantic City,
but we would still have the piece of Route 42 that is parallel to the
Expressway, and the I-76 and I-676 designations around the bridges, as well
as I-295 running north-south. I agree that the numbers could confuse
people, but motorists don't generally have trouble heading for Atlantic City
as the destination is pretty well marked. Also, without a compelling reason
to make a change like that, I am not sure we could justify the expense of
changing signing, maps, websites, atlases, etc.
Although I cannot commit to implementing your suggesion, I appreciate your
taking the time to write to us.
Kathleen C. Aufschneider
Chief Engineer
South Jersey Transportation Authority
P.O. Box 351
Hammonton. NJ 08037
kaufsc...@sjta.com
Excellent letter you write Gregory, and the South Jersey transportation
authority aren't against it, the only thing they afraid is the cost of the
shields and all the stuff.
I like the idea to start a movement to redesignate the NSF and ACE as I-76,
maybe that will force NJ Tpk to put the much needed direct interchange
connection with
I-76/NSF/ACE as well
Stéphane Dumas
I agree that the interchange is needed. It's all part of the master plan.
;-)
I think that the cost of the shields would be miniscule compared to the cost
of the NJTP/I-76 interchange. (One idea I have is to designate the NJTP
between exits 1 and 6 as I-695 [bypass around Philadelphia] since the other
I-695 in New Jersey was cancelled circa 1978.) The interchange would be at
the NSF section of the highway.
Gregory Pietsch
someone posted his proposal of a connection between NJ42,NJ55 and the ACE
http://mahn0.tripod.com/njtpknew.htm
there was also a cancelled I-695 once in south Philly, the Cobbs creek
expressway
http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/cobbs-creek/
>
> Gregory Pietsch
>
Stéphane Dumas
Well, it would be a north-south interstate bypass of I-95, and since I-295
and I-495 are already in the Delaware Valley (I-495 in Delaware), that
leaves I-695 and I-895. I-695 is the canceled Cobbs Creek Expressway; I-895
is the canceled Burlington-Bristol Bypass. I used I-695 since it is the
lowest available number. ;-)
Gregory Pietsch