Stripes commence Alexander upgrade

WEST WINDSOR - Nearly a year ago, a car carrying five girls toward Princeton swept through a wet and leaf-strewn "S" curve on Alexander Road near the Delaware & Raritan Canal, went into a spin and was struck by two cars in suc cession coming from the opposite direction.

The crash ended the life of 14-year-old Rebecca Annitto, a stu dent at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.

West Windsor has long-range plans that include improvements at the "S" curve, but they will take almost three years to complete as engineering and traffic studies are undertaken.

Concern remains about pedes trian, vehicular and bicycle traffic at the location deemed by township engineer Jim Parveese to be the second of the 15 worst problem sites in the township. Canal Pointe Boulevard ranks first.

This week, the first step in that long timeline is scheduled to be taken when West Windsor puts new striping along the "S" curve on Alexander Road so that it is more clearly marked.

And, a local organization concerned with pedestrians and bicyclists is organizing a series of walks to familiarize residents with access, education and safety, beginning with the infamous "S" curve.

Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said the new striping should be on the roadway by today. "We approved the budget just two weeks ago," he said.

The striping includes a yellow line down the middle of Alexander Road and white striping on each side of the "S" curve that will replaced the faded striping that is already there.

"We will also add lighting but that will take longer because we have to work with the utility company," Hsueh said.

"We are also spending $50,000 this year and will be reviewing traffic. In 2007, there will be engineering. And in 2008 there will be construction," he said.