Union Mill Road Improvements Update

Thanks to Town Council, the Union Mill Road improvements around Academy Drive have been completed. The road was widened and re-paved, resulting in an intersection that is safer and more enjoyable to drive and cycle upon. Residents have expressed both relief and satisfaction with the improvements.

Next to be addressed are improvements to Union Mill Road between Briggs and Hartford Roads. That portion of Union Mill is in need of repaving as well as flood mitigation.

Most are familiar with a heavy rain prompting the closure of Union Mill between Briggs and Hartford Roads. Technically, that section of Union Mill should be able to handle a 10-year storm. However, the road floods several times per year, demonstrating that it has significantly deteriorated from its original design and construction.

Developers of the Signature Place housing development have vowed to fund approximately 50% of the cost of improvements. The total cost is estimated to be approximately $6M. The Township will fund the remainder of the improvements. Current plans call for significant widening of the road to include an eleven-foot lane traveling in each direction, with six-foot shoulders on both sides.

The target date for completion of the improvements is currently scheduled for September 2021. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) permitting is in process. Burlington County will also be involved due to the bridge adjacent to that section of road. The County has requested a sidewalk constructed alongside the bridge. Construction of a sidewalk will cost an estimated $1M. It is questionable as to whether a sidewalk is needed, and efforts are being made to eliminate the sidewalk as a cost saving measure.

Once improvements begin, that section of Union Mill Road will be closed to traffic for approximately six months. Work will continue for an additional six months after it is reopened. The year-long project will leave Mt. Laurel with a well-constructed section of road capable of handling a 50-year storm. We all look forward to that!