Sayreville Roundabout Project Raises Housing Concerns as Longtime Resident Faces Possible Property Loss
Residents in Sayreville, Middlesex County, are raising serious concerns after learning that a major state transportation project involving new traffic circles could require the removal of at least one long-time homeowner from his property. The plan, designed to improve safety at a heavily traveled Route 9 interchange, has now become a source of debate in the community.
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT), the proposed project includes the construction of two roundabouts where Route 9 connects with Bordentown Avenue, Burlew Place, Eugene Boulevard, and nearby highway ramps. The design also includes widening both sides of Route 9 to add additional lanes and introducing a new ramp on the southbound side to improve traffic flow.
The state has developed this plan after years of documented safety concerns at the intersection. Between 2014 and 2016, officials reported around 230 crashes in the area. Currently, the intersection relies on stop signs instead of traffic signals, which residents say often leads to confusion and dangerous driving behavior.
While the project is intended to reduce accidents and improve traffic management, it has also created uncertainty for several property owners. One longtime resident of Kenneth Avenue, who has lived in his home for 35 years, recently discovered that the proposed design may require the state to acquire his property. A nearby car dealership along Route 9 is also included in the potential acquisition zone.
This revelation has sparked emotional responses from residents who say the plan may solve one problem while creating another. During a recent borough council meeting, community members voiced their worries about displacement, safety during construction, and the long-term impact on the neighborhood.
Several residents emphasized that while they understand the need for safety improvements, the project’s current layout could significantly disrupt daily life. Concerns were also raised about construction detours, which are expected to last for approximately two years if the project moves forward as planned. Parents and homeowners questioned how school bus routes, emergency vehicles, and access to medical facilities would be managed during the construction period.
Local officials acknowledged the community’s concerns and confirmed that the project is still in the public comment stage. This means residents can still submit feedback before final decisions are made. Borough representatives have also stated that they are working to arrange a public meeting with NJ DOT officials so that residents can directly share their concerns and seek clarification about the project’s impact.
Community members have also noted a lack of communication in earlier stages of planning. One resident shared that she had previously sent her suggestions to the state but had not received a response, adding to frustration among those who feel their input has not been fully considered.
Local leadership has expressed that discussions are ongoing with state representatives in an effort to address community concerns while still prioritizing road safety improvements. However, no final adjustments to the design or confirmed meeting date have been announced yet.
As the project moves through the review process, Sayreville residents remain divided between the need for safer roads and the fear of losing homes and facing long-term disruption in their community.
Sources:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) project planning and safety data
Sayreville Borough Council meeting discussions and public statements
Community reports and resident testimonies from Kenneth Avenue area
