There were two recent announcements of interest for commuters and other motorists who use Rosedale Road (CR 604), and for those looking for spaces in the Community Park Pool lot.

Drivers are cautioned that on or about Monday, July 16, milling and resurfacing work will begin on Rosedale Road from Province Line Road to Constitution Hill. The Mercer County Department of Transportation anticipates that the work will take approximately ten working days to complete, weather permitting.

During construction, this section of Rosedale Road will be closed to traffic from approximately 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays only. Eastbound traffic will travel from southbound Elm Road, to right on Route 206 south, to right on Province Line Road and follow to Rosedale Road. Westbound traffic will travel southbound Province Line Road, to left on Route 206 south, to left on Elm Road and follow to Rosedale Road. Emergency access and access for businesses and residents would be permitted during this time.

Although the official announcement warned motorists to expect delays in the construction area,КTownship Engineer Robert Kiser said that he anticipates “minimal” traffic problems as the work goes on. “They’re going to keep one lane open for local traffic,” he commented. “Residents and institutions that are located along Rosedale Road will be able to get in and out, except, perhaps, for when the paving crew is right in front of their entrance. Then there may be a half hour delay.”

The Princeton Public Schools have advised those needing to visit Johnson Park Elementary School during this period to “tell the police officer who is managing the detour that you will be visiting the school.” Other institutions in the area include the Princeton Boychoir School and Educational Testing Service.

With temperatures breaking the 100-degree mark last week and record numbers of area residents and other visitors heading to the Community Park (CP) Pool, finding a parking spot in the lot there has become a challenge.

“It is very important that all pool users pay attention to and comply with all posted parking rules/signs within the CP Pool parking lot and surrounding areas,” said Recreation Department Executive Director Ben Stentz.

“Safety is our top priority,” he noted.

Maintaining clear routes for emergency vehicles of any kind “is paramount for the pool facility,” added Mr. Stentz. Parking in areas marked as “No Parking,” “No Standing/Stopping,” or “Drop-off only” creates “a dangerous situation for all pool members, for the staff, and for the emergency response personnel who might need to access the facility at any moment.”

Those concerned with parking at the pool are encouraged to visit a map of the CP lot and its vicinity that was recently posted on the Recreation Department’s website. It points out that additional parking is available in the lots behind the tennis courts and Community Park School, and that on-street parking may be found on nearby areas of Witherspoon Street, Valley Road, and Guyot Lane.

“I understand that parking has been tough due to the increased membership at the new pool,” commented Mr. Stentz. “I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm for the new facility and I’m thrilled that so many members of our community choose to spend their time at the pool.” Again, though, he emphasized, “safety is the number one goal.”