Just over one year ago, Burlington City lost a beloved hero and member of its community – crossing guard Bruce Morlack.

Bruce lost his life while saving a child who was walking home from school on December 6, 2024. Since then, the Burlington City School District has worked tirelessly to try to prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. They have convened stakeholder meetings focused on pedestrian safety that has included the NJ Dept of Transportation, Burlington County Engineers, Burlington City Mayor and Police, School Board, Assemblywoman Murphy’s office as well as mine – all of whom are working together to make these streets safer.

Yesterday, we met once again to discuss meaningful progress made, but also the work that remains. We toured the improvements, standing just feet away from where Bruce lost his life. Thanks to the tenacity of Dr. Russell and Dr. Flynn, student advocates from the Nikhil Badlani Youth Advisory Board, and especially the incredible commitment by DOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, the following safety measures have been made:

• Painted crosswalks along Route 130 North and South at Wood Street, High Street, and Jacksonville Road
• Installed sidewalks along Route 130 North in front of Davis Honda
• Upgraded/ replaced sidewalks on the corner of Route 130 North and Jacksonville Road
• Painted yellow stripes in the designated Road Diet along Route 130 North and South
• Painted gore stripes on Route 130 North and South in the school zone
• Installation of new ClearVu Reinforced fence in front of Burlington City HS
• New signage on Jacksonville Road near James Street, and on High Street near 6th Street

Additionally, Assemblywoman Murphy and I introduced legislation that would dedicate all fines collected under Antwan’s Law directly to the Burlington City Police Department to support pedestrian safety initiatives. This compliments the law I authored and was signed in 2019 that lowered the speed limit to 25 mph on Route 130 near the high school, after the tragic passing of Antwan Timber. The work continues to make this community safer for everyone.