Politics & Government Cherry Hill Mayor: ‘Much Work Remains’ On Rt. 70 Project Issues Dave Fleisher expressed hope after he and local officials discussed the issue with the NJ Department of Transportation.
Cherry Hill’s mayor, who has criticized the state’s handling of the Route 70 project, expressed hope after meeting recently with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. (New Jersey Department of Transportation)
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill’s mayor, who has criticized the state’s handling of the Route 70 project, expressed hope after meeting recently with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. But Dave Fleisher hopes the discussion leads to better communication from the state agency.
Throughout the reconstruction of Route 70, several residents and business owners have claimed that NJDOT hasn’t adequately communicated with them about construction and traffic updates. The yearslong project has required lane closures and shifts in traffic patterns that impact the township’s business districts and adjoining neighborhoods. Fleisher has publicly echoed those concerns — most recently at Feb. 12’s Township Council meeting. He and Cherry Hill officials then met with NJDOT and discussed the issue.
Read more: Cherry Hill Mayor Blasts State’s Handling Of Route 70 Reconstruction “During the meeting, I emphasized the need for more, and better, communication from the Department (NJDOT) for our residents, neighborhoods, and local businesses,” Fleisher told Patch. “While the meeting was productive and a step in the right direction, much work remains. We eagerly await greater communication from the Department to help our residents and small businesses navigate this project. I will continue to be a vocal advocate for Cherry Hill.” At the meeting, officials discussed different ways to improve communication between NJDOT and township — particularly on project impacts for businesses and side street closures — an NJDOT spokesperson told Patch.
“We will continue to remain in close contact with Cherry Hill officials, and the project team is working quickly to address concerns regarding business impacts,” said Leanna Nelson, an NJDOT spokesperson. “NJDOT is always willing to meet with local officials to discuss any potential impacts that may be caused by a project, both before and after the impacts occur.” During the state-funded, $153 million project, NJDOT will reconstruct nearly 9 miles of Route 70 between Route 38 in Pennsauken and Cooper Avenue in Evesham. Most of that portion of the roadway runs through Cherry Hill. Construction began in September 2021 and is expected to last until early 2027.
The community can stay up-to-date on Route 70 construction by visiting the project’s webpage and following NJDOT on Facebook and Twitter. The state agency also issues construction notices and traffic advisories that are also shared with local officials in impacted municipalities. The precise timing of the work can change because of weather and other factors, NJDOT says. The agency encourages drivers to check its traffic-information website — 511nj.org — for construction updates and real-time travel information.