Branchburg mayor calls for Route 202 intersection safety improvements following fatal crash
BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Following a fiery crash that killed a Branchburg man earlier this week, Mayor James Schworn is calling for expedited safety improvements at the intersection of Route 202 and Holland Brook Road, saying the township is prepared to explore funding the work itself rather than wait for state officials or a developer to act.
The mayor issued a statement following Monday’s fatal collision involving a tractor-trailer and a Ford sedan, which occurred at approximately 5:03 p.m. Oct. 26 at the intersection, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The crash caused the Ford to become engulfed in flames, killing its driver, an adult male resident of Branchburg Township whose identity has not been publicly released.
Schworn expressed condolences to the man’s family and said the intersection has been a longstanding safety concern for township officials.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the individual who tragically lost their life in the recent accident. Any loss of life is devastating, and our community shares in the sorrow of those affected by this tragedy,” Schworn said in his statement.
According to the mayor, Branchburg officials have previously discussed potential safety improvements at the intersection with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Because Route 202 is a state-controlled highway, NJDOT has sole authority over improvements to the roadway. Previous discussions contemplated having a developer pay for certain traffic improvements as part of an approved site plan, but Schworn said the township wants to move forward more quickly following Monday’s fatal crash.
“However, in light of this tragic loss of life, we believe it is important to take a more proactive approach,” Schworn said.
The township is compiling available crash information and plans to contact NJDOT to discuss potential safety improvements and determine how quickly they could be implemented. Schworn said the municipality is also prepared to consider financing the necessary improvements if funding becomes an obstacle rather than waiting for the developer or state to act.
“While we will continue to work with NJDOT, we do not intend to allow this process to be delayed while waiting for other parties to act. If funding is an obstacle to moving forward, the Township will explore financing the necessary improvements ourselves rather than waiting for the developer or the state to take action,” Schworn said.
The mayor did not identify specific roadway improvements being considered or provide a timeline for when construction might begin. However, he emphasized that the township intends to work with state officials to accelerate the evaluation and implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risk of future crashes.
“Our priority is the safety of our residents and everyone who travels through Branchburg. We will work to expedite the evaluation and implementation of appropriate improvements to make this intersection safer and reduce the risk of future accidents,” Schworn said.
Fatal crash remains under investigation
According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, police responded to the intersection of Route 202 and Holland Brook Road shortly after 5 p.m. Monday and discovered a collision involving a Peterbilt tractor-trailer and a Ford sedan. The impact caused the Ford to catch fire, prompting a response from firefighters with the Readington and Neshanic fire companies, who worked to extinguish the flames.
The Branchburg Rescue Squad, Somerset County Hazardous Materials Response Team and NJDOT Traffic Diversion Team also responded to assist at the scene. The driver of the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene, while authorities have not disclosed whether the tractor-trailer driver sustained any injuries.
Members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team and Branchburg Township Police Department responded to investigate the collision, along with investigators from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing pending the findings of the collision reconstruction team and the results of a postmortem examination, and authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
In closing his statement, Schworn reiterated the township’s commitment to pursuing safety improvements at the intersection and acknowledged the impact of the fatal crash on the victim’s family and the community.
“We recognize that no statement can ease the pain experienced by the family affected by this tragedy. We owe it to them, to our residents, and to everyone who uses this roadway to pursue every reasonable opportunity to improve safety,” Schworn said.
Anyone with information about Monday’s crash is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at 908-526-3830. Anonymous tips, including photographs and videos, can also be submitted through SCPO.TIPS or by calling the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Authorities said all tips will be kept confidential.
