About

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has initiated a roadway improvement study along Route 23 from Master Street to Scenic Lake Road (Mileposts 33.96 to 35.96) in Franklin Borough and Hamburg Borough, Sussex County, New Jersey.

NJDOT has identified this segment of Route 23 as a priority location because crash rates along the corridor exceed the statewide average for similar roadways. The study aims to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes by addressing roadway deficiencies and improving safety for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists consistent with NJDOT's Complete Streets Policy.

This study is progressing through NJDOT's Capital Project Delivery process which consists of Problem Screening (PS), Concept Development (CD), Preliminary Engineering (PE), Final Design (FD), and Construction (CON) phases. The study is currently in the CD Phase. As part of the CD Phase, we will be collecting data, analyzing existing conditions, identifying deficiencies, developing alternatives, and selecting improvements to be designed and implemented along the study corridor.

Community involvement is a vital part of this process and will inform the development of alternatives during the CD Phase. NJDOT encourages residents, commuters, businesses, and community members to participate during the CD Phase and beyond. Updates, documents, and opportunities to participate will be posted here so that the community can help shape the future of Route 23.

The project is located on Route 23 between Master Street and a point a tenth of a mile north of Fairview Avenue in the Boroughs of Franklin and Hamburg, Sussex County, New Jersey. This segment functions as an Urban Principal Arterial with posted speeds of 35–40 mph and averages approximately 17,516 vehicles per day, as of June 2025. The roadway includes one lane in each direction, limited shoulders, and inconsistent sidewalks. Key nearby destinations include the Hamburg Fire Department and Hamburg School (pre-k through 8th grade), with local transit service on the corridor provided by Sussex County Skylands Ride. The corridor includes 18 intersections, two of which are signalized, and is characterized by a mix of residential and commercial land uses. 

NJDOT is seeking feedback from residents, commuters, and community members to understand the use, challenges, and opportunities for improvement of Route 23. Please complete the survey below to share your thoughts and concerns. The survey will be open from <<placeholder dates>> December 8, 2025 to December 31, 2025.