By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the County held a ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, to highlight the newly installed traffic light on Roosevelt Avenue in the Borough of Carteret with an unveiling of a new monument in honor of fallen New Jersey State Trooper Christopher S. Scales who tragically lost his life at the intersection.Local officials and the Scales family gathered to commemorate his sacrifice in the line of duty and his service to the community, officials say.
Middlesex County invested approximately $3.2 million in this project, continuing its commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and ensuring the safety of residents on its roadways, County officials said.
This investment is part of Middlesex County’s Vision Zero Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries while promoting equitable mobility for all road users, County officials stated. Middlesex County is the first County in New Jersey to adopt a Vision Zero Action Plan and was recognized with the prestigious Complete Streets Excellence Award in 2023, setting a new benchmark for traffic safety statewide.
Middlesex County authorities stated that the new monument is in remembrance of Trooper Christopher S. Scales, a devoted member of the New Jersey State Police who, on Tuesday, December 3, 2002, lost his life in the line of duty at the Exit 12 Toll Plaza.
His commitment to protecting the community left a profound impact on those who knew him and the community he served, officials say.
“Middlesex County is committed to investing in transportation infrastructure projects that make a real difference in the lives of our residents,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Together with our municipalities, we can prevent traffic deaths. Christopher S. Scales' legacy and all victims of traffic accidents continue to motivate the County to do more to ensure the safety of all our drivers and residents.”
“The installation of the new traffic light at Roosevelt Avenue is part of our ongoing strategy under Vision Zero,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of the Transportation Committee.
“The new traffic signal at Roosevelt Avenue will have a major impact on the Borough of Carteret,” said Borough of Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman.
“This project is a major safety enhancement at a busy intersection, and it reflects the strong partnership with Middlesex County to ensure the well-being of our residents. We thank the County for its leadership in providing the investment needed to protect our community.”
“This project is an incredible honor for my father, my family, and all who serve in law enforcement,” said Christopher Scales, son of Trooper Christopher S. Scales.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Middlesex County Commissioner Director Rios, Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, and everyone whose efforts made this possible. Their commitment to supporting the safety of our community and law enforcement is both inspiring and deeply appreciated.”
According to Middlesex County officials, the Roosevelt Avenue project follows the recent installation of traffic lights at Oak Tree Road and Warick Street in Edison and Smith and Goodwin Streets in Perth Amboy, reaffirming Middlesex County’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and commitment to roadway safety.To learn more about Middlesex County’s transportation infrastructure projects and Vision Zero, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov.