This is the most dangerous road in Atlantic County

Tell-tale signs: assorted pieces of automotive plastic on the side of the road, a crumpled guardrail, a few pieces of glass reflecting off the road.

I think that’s two crashes in two days at the intersection of West Jersey and Ridge in Egg Harbor Township. Let’s hope that there were no serious injuries during the last mishap.

Almost anyone who lives on one of the streets that crosses West Jersey will tell you: it’s a dangerous road!

Yesterday I was surveying the aforementioned railing at the intersection of West Jersey and Ridge. There are four guardrails at the intersection that were installed a few years ago. The look of these four railings is almost comical. They were each beaten several times. The metal was wrinkled, straightened and wrinkled again. The wooden supports: several are split and no longer connect to the ground. Looks like a demolition derby was held there.

It’s not just the Ridge Avenue intersection that has been host to numerous accidents. Several of the cross streets have seen their share of accidents, from Ridge to West Jersey in Hamilton Township.

There are no traffic lights at these troubled intersections. No four way stops. The side streets have stop signs, but that’s it. Trying to cross West Jersey, especially during the afternoon rush hour, is absolutely terrifying at times. Think of it as a game of Frogger with cross traffic at 50 mph!

I just have to say this: who decided that an extra crossing was needed at the Cates Avenue intersection? This had to be the dumbest traffic move ever!

Now, I know that traffic studies have been conducted, accident reports have been investigated, and they have all concluded that all is well as it is.

How are you.

Well, let me ask you traffic controllers and consultants to do me a favor: put your mother behind the wheel of a car and send her down Ridge Avenue at 4:30 p.m. noon. See how she does trying to turn left to West Jersey!

About a dozen years ago the crossings on the Black Horse Pike were closed and it appears that the accident rate on the Pike in the area has decreased. Sure, sometimes it’s complicated, but it’s easier and safer. Why not do something about West Jersey? Why not try something to make it safer?

Last year I wrote about the stupid, very short passing lane on West Jersey, just east of the Ridge Avenue intersection. Check this story here.

Look, West Jersey Avenue was built years and years ago when EHT’s population was much lower than it is today. Times change, things change – maybe it’s time for the road to change!