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Celebrating 20 years of Rose Parade participation, the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, ‘Lifting Each Other Up’ will honor 59 organ, eye and tissue donors and recipients

The float will be featured on the 2023 Rose Parade® on New Year’s Day

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Donate Life community is celebrating 20 years of participation in the traditional Rose Parade in Pasadena. The 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade® float, “Lifting Each Other Up,” will feature 59 honorees representing 24 states in the United States. With ages ranging from 17 to 78 years old for riders and walkers, and from 3 1/2 months old to 68 years old for floragraph honorees, these participants and their families will travel to Pasadena to be part of America’s Donate Life celebration on New Year’s Day’s traditional Rose Parade®.


The 2023 Donate Life Float will feature:

  • 4 walkers, including living donors, as well as organ recipients
  • 16 riders who are organ and tissue recipients
  • 39 floragraphs (floral portraits) representing organ, eye and tissue donors who gave the gift of life to others

 

Float Walkers
Four honorees whose lives were connected to organ donation will walk alongside the 2023 Donate Life float. The 2023 Donate Life float walkers include Keith Gooch, a 63-year-old living kidney donor from Fresno, Calif. who helped start a kidney chain that saved nine lives, including the life of his late brother.

 

Additional walkers include:

  • Thomas Dougall, a 67-year-old living kidney donor from Columbia, SC, who will be accompanied by his wife and his neighbor and kidney recipient, Jo Byrd
  • Wendy Dougall from Columbia, SC, a 63-year-old tissue recipient who is an advocate for donation, and who will walk next to her husband, Thomas, who is a living donor
  • Yadira Ortega, a 37-year-old from Anaheim, Calif., who donated one of her kidneys, as well as stem cells to her brother Ricardo, as part of a groundbreaking medical study conducted by UCLA and funded by OneLegacy that will hopefully eliminate the need for anti-rejection medications on organ transplant patients in the future.

 

Bios to all four 2023 Donate Life float walkers are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/walkers.html

 

Float Riders

The 2023 Donate Life float will feature 16 riders including Dr. Martha Gonzalez de Vidal, a 67-year-old Mexican American obstetrician from Hermosa Beach, Calif. who, after the COVID-19 virus destroyed her lungs, received a lifesaving double lung transplant in 2022.

 

Additional float riders include:

  • Bree Majsiak, a 28-year-old nerve allograft tissue recipient from Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Caitlin Pendzinski, a 24-year-old kidney recipient from Monroe City, MO
  • David Wheelis, a 36-year-old liver recipient from Oklahoma City, OK
  • Goldie Williams, a 38-year-old liver recipient from Oakland, Calif.
  • Harleen (Leena) Sandhu, a 51-year-old kidney recipient from East Windsor, NJ
  • Hayden Schiller, a 20-year-old bone tissue recipient from Vancouver, WA
  • Jo Byrd, a 78-year-old kidney recipient from Columbia, SC, whose living donor will also be honored on the float
  • Dr. Larry Yokoyama, a 68-year-old kidney recipient from Bakersfield, Calif. whose kidney donor will also be honored with a floragraph on the float
  • Lavender McKillip, a 17-year-old liver recipient from Sparks, NV
  • Marcus Roberts, a 43-year-old heart and kidney recipient from Long Beach, Calif.
  • Mary Louis, a 50-year-old skin tissue recipient from Baytown, TX
  • Megan Mehta, a 19-year-old heart recipient from Pleasanton, Calif.
  • Olga Gomez, a 59-year-old liver and kidney recipient who is currently waiting for a kidney transplant from Ontario, Calif.
  • Ricardo Ortega, a 33-year-old kidney recipient from Bellflower, Calif., whose sister and kidney donor will also be honored on the float
  • Xavier McLeod, an 18-year-old kidney recipient from Lemon Grove, Calif.

 

Bios to the 2023 Donate Life float riders are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/riders.html

 

Floragraph Honorees

39 deceased donors will be memorialized with floral portraits or floragraphs placed on the body of the legendary Asian dragon which serves as the centerpiece of the 2023 Donate Life float. These donors gave the ultimate gift of life to save and heal others through the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. The floragraphs were made using organic materials like rice, farina, coffee, yellow millet, and cinnamon.

 

Among the 2023 floragraph honorees is James Parsons, a 57-year-old avid handyman from New Market, AL, who was part of a groundbreaking study. Upon his being declared brain dead, and while on a respirator, he was the first human selected to successfully receive a genetically modified pig kidney. The kidneys produced urine throughout the 77-hour study, now called “The Parsons Model.” Doctors will conduct more testing with hopes of implanting pig kidneys into living humans.

 

The 2023 Donate Life float floragraph honorees include:

  • Tammy McKeown, a 47-year-old travel enthusiast from Bakersfield who saved three lives as an organ donor, and whose kidney recipient will also be honored on the float
  • Amanda Wilken, a 23-year-old gifted student from Norwalk, IA, who wanted to become a pharmacist and help veterans
  • Anthony Galvan, a 23-year-old outdoors enthusiast and tissue donor from Ontario, Calif.
  • Asante Contreras, a 20-year-old EMT and tissue and cornea donor from Del Rio, TX
  • Barbara Schmit, a 65-year-old outgoing woman from Tustin, Calif. who became an organ, eye and tissue donor in 2021
  • Brittany Hoover, a 32-year-old hard working woman and organ, eye and tissue donor from Virginia Beach, VA
  • Dalton Rashad Criss, an 18-year-old musician, athlete and prolific student from Peru, NY who became an organ, eye and tissue donor
  • Ivan Sandoval, a 5-year-old superhero enthusiast from Anaheim, Calif. who became an organ and tissue donor
  • Joseph Peter Keenan, a 48-year-old hairstylist from Pawtucket, RI who saved 3 lives as an organ donor
  • Kaylea Curry, a quirky and creative 10-year-old girl who donated her organs, corneas and tissue

 

Bios to all 39 floragraph honorees for the 2022 Donate Life float are available here:

https://donatelifefloat.org/si/participants/2023/floragraphs.html

The Donate Life Rose Parade float is produced by OneLegacy, designed by Charles Meier, built by Fiesta Parade Floats and made possible thanks to more than 50 sponsors, including: American Association of Tissue Banks, Artivion, AxoGen Corporation, Bridge to Life, Cedars-Sinai, We Are Sharing Hope SC, Center For Donation and Transplant, Community Tissue Services, David’s Final Flight, Ryan’s Legacy, Dignity Memorial Providers of Las Vegas, New Jersey and Seattle, Donate Life California, Donate Life Indiana, Donate Life South Carolina, Donor Alliance, Donor Network West, Global Transplant Solutions, Indiana Donor Network, Iowa Donor Network, JJ’s Legacy, Kamden’s Group Hug, Inc., Legacy Donor Services Foundation, Legacy of Hope, UAB Medicine, LifeCenter Northwest, LifeLink Foundation, LifeNet Health, LifeShare of OK, Lifesharing, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Midwest Transplant Network, MTF Biologics, Nevada Donor Network, New England Donor Services, OneLegacy, RTI Donor Services, Sharing Network Foundation, Student Organ Donation Advocates, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UAB Medicine, Union County Community Foundation, We are Sharing Hope, SC, Xtant Medical, Mark Wesley Pinckard – Renaissance Scholarship Fund, CPMC, Stanford Children’s Hospital, UCSF Health, CompuMed, First Republic Bank and Specialist Direct.

 

As the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donation, the Donate Life Rose Parade® float inspires viewers to help the more than one million people in need of organ, eye or tissue transplants each year. Register today to become an organ, eye or tissue donor by visiting http://registerme.org/campaign/float.

 

About Donate Life America

Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America manages and promotes the national brand for donation, Donate Life, and assists Donate Life State Teams and national partners in facilitating high-performing donor registries; developing and executing effective multi-media donor education programs; and motivating the American public to register now as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Contacts

Tania Llavaneras

213/229-5654

Tllavaneras@onelegacy.org

Ross Goldberg

818/597-8453

ross@kevinross.net

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New York speeds up traffic with award-winning cashless tolling system by Kapsch TrafficCom

  • Highest traffic volume and commercial traffic toll point in the USA to use cashless tolling
  • Intelligent Transportation Society NY awarded Kapsch with the ITS Project of the Year 2022

 

VIENNA & NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Kapsch TrafficCom USA announces the delivery completion for a new tolling system covering four bridges and two tunnels between New York and New Jersey. The final step of the project, for which the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Kapsch TrafficCom were awarded ITS NY Project of the Year 2022, went live on December 11th.

 

With the new system, the toll point with the highest traffic volume and commercial traffic in the United States will offer cashless tolling. This means that millions of drivers taking the tunnels or bridges into the city are no longer forced to stop at toll booths.

 

“With the system for the Lincoln Tunnel going live, we have concluded six years of tireless work to enable cashless tolling for drivers crossing between New York and New Jersey,” comments JB Kendrick, President Kapsch TrafficCom USA. “I want to thank the team for their effort and, of course, also the Port Authority for the great cooperation in this project.”

 

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton comments: “This upgrade is a win-win for all drivers who use our crossings by cutting precious minutes from daily commutes, by reducing vehicle accidents in toll lanes, and by decreasing emissions from vehicles waiting in line to pay cash at toll booths.”

 

The scope of the project included the replacement of the legacy toll collection system at all Hudson River and Staten Island Bridge crossings operated by the Port Authority with AET technology provided by Kapsch. For E-ZPass users, nothing will change. Those without E-ZPass will have their license plates automatically recorded and receive their bills via mail.

 

The tolling system covers four bridges, two tunnels, thirteen zones, two-way traffic with one direction tolled at reversable lanes and three plazas. Kapsch installed new tolling sensors and equipment providing proprietary stereoscopic nVDC technology in order to create all electronic transactions.

 

FULL TEXT press release at: https://www.kapsch.net/en/press

Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries.

Contacts

Kapsch TrafficCom AG

Sandra Bijelic

P +43 50 811 1720

sandra.bijelic@kapsch.net

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Lifestyle Local News Regulations & Security Travel & Leisure

County Clerk shares news that Real ID requirement is delayed

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello would like to inform Mercer residents that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline by two years for requiring citizens to have Real ID for domestic air travel and for entering federal buildings and facilities.

 

Starting May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID-compliant driver license/ID to fly within the U.S. and regular driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fly domestically.  You still will be able to use a U.S. passport or passport card for identification.

 

It must be noted that until the deadline, a standard New Jersey driver’s license remains valid for air travel within the U.S. This extension will give state motor vehicle departments and travelers more time to prepare to meet the Real ID deadline.

 

Real ID complies with federal standards that impose stronger requirements to prove U.S. residency. Real ID is a more secure, federally mandated document that will be accepted at airports as identification and to enter federal buildings. The intent of Real ID is to ultimately reduce identity theft and fraud, and to enhance the nation’s security.

 

Passport books and passport cards will also remain as valid proof of identification for international travel and are Real ID compliant for domestic flights. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office offers both at its Trenton location and the County Connection site in Hamilton.

 

For the County Clerk’s passport office, please call 609-989-6473. Appointments can also be made at the Mercer County Connection, located at 957 N.J. Rt. 33, Hamilton. To schedule an appointment at County Connection, please contact the office at 609-890-9800. Or visit the County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk. Please note that while our office also offers County ID Cards and Veteran ID cards, these are not useful to meet Real ID requirements.

 

For more information about Real ID and the requirements and documents needed to obtain one, you can visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/. To apply for Real ID, appointments can be scheduled online at https://www.nj.gov/mvc/.

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Business Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Cenntro Electric Group to unveil Logistar 300 at CES

Class 3 Truck Added to All Electric Commercial Line, to Launch in North America in Q3 2023

 

FREEHOLD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cenntro Electric Group Limited (NASDAQ: CENN), a leading EV and Alternative Fuel technology company with advanced, market-validated electric commercial vehicles, today announced it will expand its lineup with the addition of a new all electric commercial van, the Logistar 300 (“LS300”), which will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), taking place January 5-8, 2023 in Las Vegas.


The LS 300 is a Class 3 vehicle and will be available in two variations: as a van and a truck. The range and capacity of the LS300 will make it a strong contender in the commercial EV market for last mile delivery and urban services. The LS300 is equipped with a 118kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a max speed of 75 mph and the range of 273 miles (440 km).

 

The van version features four doors for easy access and the truck variation can be upfitted with different configurations that can meet the needs for multiple applications.

 

Cenntro will assemble the LS300 at its Jacksonville, FL and Freehold, NJ assembly plants. The market demand for this type of vehicle is robust, particularly for last mile delivery markets. The LS300 will launch in North America with production and distribution expected in Q3 2023.

 

“The LS300 is well-positioned to meet the rapidly growing demand in the United States for commercial EVs,” said Peter Wang, Chairman and CEO of Cenntro. “The Logistar 300 is another strong addition to our commercial vehicle lineup, providing fleets and businesses with best-in-class EV technology that supports the most robust operating cycles. The vehicle joins our Logistar Series following the LS100, LS200, LS260, and LS400. Now, we have a full line of commercial EVs in multiple configurations for last mile delivery. We look forward to showcasing the LS300 along with our complete lineup at CES in January.”

 

The LS300 is one of five world premieres that Cenntro will unveil at Booth 5840 in the West Hall where Cenntro will display its complete All Electric Commercial product line. The exhibit will include the full Logistar line which features the versatile, compact cargo van, the LS100, the multi-purpose LS200 available in van or box truck configurations, the segment-defining LS260 van, and the Class 4 LS400 purpose-built for last mile delivery and urban services. Cenntro will also showcase its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Class 8 LMH864, at CES.

 

For more information or to request a booth meeting, please contact: ir@cenntroauto.com

 

About Cenntro Electric

Cenntro Electric Group Ltd. (or “Cenntro”) (NASDAQ: CENN) is a leading designer and manufacturer of electric light and medium-duty commercial vehicles. Cenntro’s purpose-built ECVs are designed to serve a variety of organizations in support of city services, last-mile delivery, and other commercial applications. Cenntro has committed to lead the transformation of commercial fleets to zero-emissions vehicles and develop a full line of zero-emission commercial vehicles through scalable, decentralized production, and smart driving solutions empowered by the Cenntro iChassis. For more information, please visit Cenntro’s website at: www.cenntroauto.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. Such statements may be, but need not be, identified by words such as “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “aim(s),” “can,” “would,” “expect(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),” “forecast(s)”, “positioned,” “approximately,” “potential,” “goal,” “strategy,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding assembly and distribution capabilities, decentralized production, and fully digitalized autonomous driving solutions. All such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in this communication. For additional risks and uncertainties that could impact Cenntro’s forward-looking statements, please see disclosures contained in Cenntro’s public filings with the SEC, including the “Risk Factors” in Cenntro’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2022 and which may be viewed at www.sec.gov.

 

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact:

Chris Tyson

MZ North America

CENN@mzgroup.us
949-491-8235

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Mercer reopens bridge on Lower Ferry Road in Ewing Township

EWING, N.J. — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure today reopened the bridge carrying Lower Ferry Road (County Route 643) over Gold Run in Ewing Township, marking the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Photo caption: County Executive Brian M. Hughes, center, cuts the ribbon on the new Lower Ferry Road bridge in Ewing Township. Joining him are, from left, Carlos DaSilva, CMS Construction Inc; Michael Drobny, French & Parrello Associates; Ewing Business Administrator Jim McManimon, Deputy County Administrator Aaron T. Watson, County Commissioner Terrance Stokes, County Engineer Basit “Sunny” Muzaffar, Assistant County Engineer Jason Mildenberg and County Supervising Engineer Joseph Vena.

 

Officially known as Bridge #415.2, the structure is located between State Route 29 and Sullivan Way. The bridge construction project was completed on schedule in 135 calendar days, County Executive Hughes said.

“This was a lengthy but necessary project and I thank our residents and businesses for their patience during the construction process,” the County Executive said. “We know that these types of projects cause a temporary inconvenience, but I am committed to ensuring that our roads and bridges meet the highest safety standards.”

 

During construction, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on a 24/7 basis. A detour was posted directing motorists to Route 29 to Sullivan Way then ending at Lower Ferry Road.

 

The old bridge carrying Lower Ferry Road over Gold Run was a reinforced concrete box culvert. The structure was considered structurally deficient due to a wide vertical crack in one of the sidewalls.

 

The replacement bridge is a single-span structure supported on a cast-in-place spread footing substructure. The superstructure consists of segmental precast rigid frames. There is a cast-in-place reinforced concrete deck on-top the structure and precast approach slabs protected by a 1-inch-thick polyester polymer concrete overlay. The new structure is designed to aesthetically match the old structure with a stone masonry façade and has been upgraded to current New Jersey Department of Transportation standards with a new sidewalk, open bridge railing and guide rail at all four corners.

 

The successful bidder for the project was CMS Construction Inc. of Plainfield, which submitted a bid price of $2,238,003. The contract was approved by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners on March 24, 2022.

 

In addition, Mercer County planted two dozen new trees and shrubs in the right-of-way as part of the project.

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Aetrex Albert 3DFit and Foot.com named CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree

Aetrex will debut its Albert 3DFit foot scanning technology and Foot.com 3D Data Portal for retailers at Booth #54953

 

TEANECK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Named a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree for the second year in a row, Aetrex Inc., a global market leader in foot scanning technology and orthotics will debut the honorable mention technology, the Albert 3DFit and Foot.com Data Portal, at this year’s show from Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas.


The Albert 3DFit is Aetrex’s newest scanner. It uses four state-of-the-art Intel® RealSense™ 3D Depth Cameras to capture complete, accurate foot measurements in 10 seconds, including length, width, girth and more, all down to 1 millimeter of accuracy. The data is then converted into a 3D model of the foot, utilizing over 3.5 million data points. Once a scan is collected, Aetrex’s proprietary FitGenius™ AI platform analyzes the unique foot data to provide the best-fitting footwear recommendations by brand, style and size, helping customers find the perfect fit whether shopping in store or online.

 

The Foot.com Data Portal is a dedicated platform to help shoe manufacturers around the world create better fitting footwear. It collects and filters hundreds of thousands of unique, global, anonymous 3D foot scans from Aetrex’s Albert 3DFit and Albert 2 Pro. By arming footwear research and development teams with 3D data, the portal takes the guesswork out of footwear design, resulting in more anatomically-correct lasts. Through the website, users can easily filter and access the most accurate, complete 3D foot data broken down by gender, region, foot size and more.

 

“Online footwear sales have one of the highest return rates at 30-40%. Aetrex Technology provides retailers with a suite of solutions, including our advanced 3D foot scanners, AI footwear recommendations with our online FitGenius platform, and the new Foot.com Data Portal. With the breadth of these products, we can provide retailers and brands a variety of options to choose from to tackle today’s online fitting challenges,” said Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex.

 

“Our mission is to become the world’s ultimate source for 3D foot data, helping retailers and brands around the world create better fit experiences for their customers.”

 

Aetrex is a technology-first company, operating the largest technology team in the industry with AI and computer vision engineers fully involved in product development. Since 2002, Aetrex has placed over 10-thousand-foot scanners worldwide that have completed more than 40 million unique foot scans. Aetrex partners include BOA, Burton, Marathon Sports, Sun & Ski Sports, The North Face, and more.

 

CES 2023 attendees can experience the Albert 3DFit at Aetrex’s booth and access their scan data via a QR code. Visitors who get their feet scanned will receive a 50% off coupon to purchase Aetrex Orthotics on aetrex.com. The Foot.com Data Portal will also be available for demonstration.

 

To learn more about Aetrex’s technology suite, please visit booth #54953 at CES 2023 or www.aetrex.com.

 

About Aetrex

Aetrex, Inc. is widely recognized as a global leader in foot scanning technology, orthotics and comfort and wellness footwear. Aetrex has developed state-of-the-art foot scanning devices, including Albert, Albert 2 Pro and Albert 3DFit (2022 and 2023 CES Innovation Award Honorees), Albert Pressure and iStep, designed to accurately measure feet and determine foot type and pressure points. Since 2002, Aetrex has placed over 10,000 scanners worldwide that have performed more than 40 million unique customer foot scans, currently averaging more than 2.5 million scans a year.

 

The company is renowned for its over-the-counter orthotics – the world’s #1 premium foot orthotic. With fashion, function and quality at the forefront, Aetrex also designs and manufactures stylish, performance footwear. Based in New Jersey, Aetrex is consistently named one of New Jersey’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies and was also included in NJBIZ’s Top 30 Manufacturing Companies. It has remained privately owned by the Schwartz family for three generations. For additional information, visit www.aetrex.com.

Contacts

Media
Rajira Hernandez

Matter Communications

978-225-8082

aetrex@matternow.com

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Local News Science Travel & Leisure

Hughes: Coordinated effort guides Bear Tavern Road traffic improvements

The Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has completed several traffic improvements on Bear Tavern Road (County Route 579) in Ewing Township aimed at improving safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced.

 

I’m happy to report that the Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure – Traffic Division on Dec. 2 officially activated the new traffic signal at the intersection of Bear Tavern Road (County Route 579) and Mountainview Road, an important project that aims to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

 

On Dec. 2, Mercer County’s Traffic Division officially activated the new traffic signal at the intersection of Bear Tavern Road and Mountainview Road. The new signal was originally requested by Ewing Township in 2019, the County Executive said, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting supply chain shortages the project was delayed.

 

In addition to a signal, state-of-the-art equipment was installed, too, such as radar detection (for vehicles and bicyclists), audible push-button system (for pedestrians), GPS time clocks (to maintain timing and coordination) and other equipment.

 

County Executive Hughes said the project was a collaborative effort between multiple parties within the County and outside agencies. Design was completed by both the Mercer County Engineering Department and Arora and Associates. Construction of the intersection was completed by Mercer County’s Traffic Division and Orchard Holdings, LLC, which did the underground electric. All traffic signal equipment was purchased from Signal Control Products, LLC through an ongoing equipment contract.

 

Farther down the road at the intersection of Bear Tavern Road and Scenic Drive, the County has also upgraded the existing traffic signal equipment, County Executive Hughes said. Improvements such as a dedicated left-turn lane at all approaches and resulting four-section traffic signal with left-turn arrow have been installed. Additionally, like the Bear Tavern and Mountainview intersection, radar detection, audible push-button system and GPS time clocks were installed at this location.

 

Lastly, to complete the corridor the County recently resurfaced Bear Tavern Road from the intersection of Scenic Drive in Ewing to Maddock Road in Hopewell Township, County Executive Hughes said. After the paving was completed, Zone Striping, LLC replenished the striping and pavement marking on the road with high visibility and long-life epoxy paint. At this time the travel lanes were narrowed to 11 feet wide, providing an opportunity to install bike lanes on the road, one of the most frequent requests to the County, according to the County Executive.

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Local News Travel & Leisure Weather & Environment

Mercer DOT winter-weather team gears up for season

TRENTON, N.J. — The official start of winter is just days away, but the Mercer County Department of Transportation & Infrastructure began prepping weeks ago.

 

They have been installing spreaders and spinners on the County’s truck fleet, installing snow fencing along County-owned open space, inspecting brine machines, and taking in a new delivery of solar salt, saidMercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

 

At the beginning of each winter season, 6,000 tons of salt stands ready to be dispersed by a fleet of 60 storm safety response vehicles.

 

“I’m proud of the fact that the Mercer team is consistently praised for its prompt and efficient snow-removal efforts on the County’s 425 lane miles, and offer this behind-the-scenes look at Mercer’s winter storm plan of attack,” County Executive Hughes said.

 

When ice and snow endanger the safety of the traveling public, many factors are considered as the Highway Division manages the winter driving safety conditions, the County Executive said. Variables weighed include the amount of snowfall; duration and intensity of the storm; meteorological parameters of temperature, humidity and wind force; and availability of appropriate treatment material, staffing and equipment. Through careful analysis, the Highway Division provides the maximum level of service possible to residents of and travelers within Mercer County.

 

“At the beginning of a storm, de-icing materials are spread first to prevent snow or ice from bonding to the road surface,” County Executive Hughes said. “Depending on the intensity of the storm, plowing operations follow. During a typical snowstorm, it takes approximately 24 to 36 hours to complete service to the entire County roadway system. However, the Highway Division is only responsible for the removal of ice and snow from County Routes and Roadways.”

 

In addition to snow removal on County roads, Mercer County DOT teams supplement the airport maintenance staff with their snow removal of parking lots and runways, and taxiways, along with snow removal and maintenance of all County buildings, facilities, libraries, CURE Arena, Trenton Thunder Ballpark and more.

 

How can residents and businesses help? County Executive Hughes advises first creating an emergency kit for the home and car.

 

Salt truck and plow drivers also require the public’s assistance to help crews be more efficient, he said.

 

Here are some ways to help keep the truck drivers and motorists safe:

  • Move all vehicles from the street if possible to ensure drivers can clear the snow from the roads more efficiently.
  • When using a snowblower or shoveling a driveway, DO NOT put the snow into the street, especially after a salt truck has plowed the road.
  • Do not try to pass a snowplow or salt truck. Motorists should stay 100 feet back from salt trucks.
  • Roads are plowed by priority. Requests are not taken for specific streets to be plowed.
  • Drivers are always encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather. If they must go out, they should remember that they play a critical role in their own safety and the safety of others when it comes to the speed that they drive.

 

“Our goal is to keep roads safe and passable by treating our Mercer County roadways throughout the storm and begin the cleanup process once precipitation stops, and I encourage our residents to be our partners in this process,” County Executive Hughes said.

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Input sought on Trenton’s Bike Plan

Needs Assessment Survey Released

 

Do you ride a bike in the City of Trenton? Or do you wish you could ride but don’t because of safety or other concerns?

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the City of Trenton want to hear from you!  Please fill out @DVRPC’s online survey to identify future needs and improvements.  Versions of the survey exist both in English and in Spanish.  Please fill out the survey if you live or work or go to school in Trenton.

 

Trenton’s bicycle plan complements previous work, including DVRPC’s downtown Trenton bicycle and pedestrian plan, its Complete Streets Design Handbook for the City, and a Trenton Health Team/Rutgers complete streets existing conditions analysis.

Trenton is not alone in planning for bicycle facilities.  Mercer County adopted a Bicycle Master Plan for its roads in 2020 and has been striping bicycle lanes, where feasible, as part of its annual paving program.  As County projects are implemented, they will link Trenton to surrounding destinations.

For more information about the Trenton project, please reach out to Cassidy Boulan, Assistant Manager, Bicycle Programs, DVRPC, cboulan@dvrpc.og

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Environment Lifestyle Science Travel & Leisure

Brookdale ShopRite and EVgo unveil new fast charging station

Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Bloomfield Leaders Visit Store to Celebrate New Electric Vehicle Charging Stalls

 

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The newly renovated Brookdale ShopRite today hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to debut an EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (EVgo) electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station at its 1409 Broad Street parking lot in Bloomfield, NJ.


This EVgo charging station features charging from 100kW up to 350kW and can serve four vehicles simultaneously. The station was supported with funding through the PSE&G Electric Vehicle Charging Program, which is designed to support the deployment of EV chargers for a range of customers. This latest launch is part of a push to install and offer charging stations in communities where ShopRite stores operate. EVgo is one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for EVs and is powered by 100% renewable energy.

 

“We are excited to work with EVgo to unveil this new charging station for our ShopRite customers and the people of Bloomfield,” said Neil Greenstein, a third-generation grocer and owner and operator of Brookdale ShopRite. “We recently completed an extensive renovation of the Brookdale store, and the next step was providing a fast electric vehicle charging station in our parking lot. At ShopRite, we are always looking for ways to provide the best possible shopping experience for our customers, and making it easier for people to charge their electric vehicles is part of that commitment.”

 

A family-owned business that has served the local community for more than 50 years, Brookdale ShopRite completed an extensive remodel earlier this year that included storewide upgrades, new departments and fresh food offerings, and the installation of new energy efficient LED lighting and refrigerated cases.

 

The new EVgo charging station outside the store complements all the great work inside the store and is available to both customers shopping in-store and people in the community.

 

Greenstein was joined at the ribbon cutting by community leaders and guests, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Bloomfield Mayor Michael J. Venezia, Essex County Commissioner VP Carlos Pomares and Councilman Nicholas Joanow.

 

“EVgo builds charging stations in convenient locations where drivers can charge their EV while completing their everyday activities, like going to the grocery store,” said Stacy Huston, Director of Portfolio Accounts at EVgo. “As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, EVgo is excited to expand partnerships with site hosts like Brookdale ShopRite to increase access to EV charging and build more infrastructure in communities in New Jersey and beyond.”

 

ShopRite has supported sustainability efforts – both in stores and communities – for more than four decades and plans to add more electric vehicle charging stations to its stores, enabling additional drivers to go electric with convenient access to public charging. Wakefern Food Corp., the logistics, distribution and merchandising arm of ShopRite, is working with Wakefern Members and stores to identify locations for new charging stations.

 

“Wakefern’s electric vehicle charging initiative is important to the cooperative and our supermarket banners. This is an ambitious effort to work with providers to bring this critical infrastructure to many of our stores and communities,” said Andrew Pittel, manager of real estate at Wakefern.

 

EVgo fast charging stations are compatible with all fast-charge capable EV models currently on the market such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, GMC Hummer EV, Kia EV6, the Nissan LEAF and more. EV drivers can easily initiate a fast charging session on the network with the EVgo app, EVgo program card (RFID card), EVgo Autocharge+ or credit card. In addition, all drivers with an EVgo account can earn points toward a charging credit through EVgo Rewards.™

 

The EVgo network has more than 850 public fast charging locations and serves over 60 metropolitan areas across more than 30 states, including nearly 20 EVgo fast charging locations across the Garden State. New Jersey is a leader in electric vehicle adoption on the East Coast, and public EV fast charging stations are important to helping the state reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

 

About ShopRite

ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With hundreds of supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves millions of customers each week. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Since the program began in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated nearly $62 million to food banks that support more than 2,200 worthy charities. As a title sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, ShopRite has donated more than $35 million to local organizations, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit www.shoprite.com.

 

About EVgo

EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is a leader in charging solutions, building and operating the infrastructure and tools needed to expedite the mass adoption of electric vehicles for individual drivers, rideshare and commercial fleets, and businesses. Since its founding in 2010, EVgo has led the way to a cleaner transportation future and its network has been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2019 through renewable energy certificates. As one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks, EVgo’s owned and operated charging network features over 850 fast charging locations – currently serving over 60 metropolitan areas across more than 30 states – and continues to add more DC fast charging locations through EVgo eXtend™, its white label service offering. EVgo is accelerating transportation electrification through partnerships with automakers, fleet and rideshare operators, retail hosts such as grocery stores, shopping centers, and gas stations, policy leaders, and other organizations. With a rapidly growing network, robust software products and unique service offerings for drivers and partners including EVgo Optima™, EVgo Inside™, EVgo Rewards™, and Autocharge+, EVgo enables world-class charging experience where drivers live, work, travel and play.

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