Definition
Marlton Circle is the former name of a traffic circle (roundabout) that was situated at the junction of New Jersey Route 70 and New Jersey Route 73 in the community of Marlton, within Eversham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, United States.
Overview
Constructed in the early–mid‑20th century, Marlton Circle functioned as a conventional, signal‑less circular intersection that accommodated the crossing of two major state highways. Over time, increasing traffic volumes and safety concerns prompted multiple redesign proposals. In 2010, the circle was eliminated and replaced with a grade‑separated interchange featuring an overpass for Route 70, a set of traffic signals, and auxiliary lanes to improve flow and reduce collision rates. The removal was part of a broader statewide effort to modernize aging traffic circles, many of which had become congestion points.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Marlton” derives from the historic unincorporated community of Marlton, settled in the 19th century. The suffix “‑ton” is a common English place‑name element meaning “town,” while “Marl” refers to a type of calcium‑rich soil that was once prevalent in the area. Consequently, “Marlton” essentially denotes “the town on marl soil.” The term “Circle” follows the American convention of naming circular roadways (e.g., “traffic circle”) after their geometric form.
Characteristics
- Location: Intersection of Route 70 (Marlton Road) and Route 73 (Marlton Parkway) near the center of Marlton, NJ.
- Design: Traditional traffic circle with a central island, no signalization, and yield‑on‑entry rules typical of mid‑20th‑century New Jersey circles.
- Traffic Volume: Prior to its removal, the circle handled an estimated 40,000–50,000 vehicle movements per day, according to New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) traffic counts.
- Safety Record: Historical crash data indicated a higher-than‑average accident rate for similar intersections, prompting the NJDOT to prioritize its redesign.
- Replacement: A partially grade‑separated interchange opened in 2011, featuring an elevated span for Route 70, signalized left‑turn lanes, and widened approach roadways. The former central island and circulating lanes were removed.
Related Topics
- Traffic circles and roundabouts in the United States – broader discussion of circular intersections and their evolution.
- New Jersey Route 70 – east‑west state highway traversing southern New Jersey.
- New Jersey Route 73 – north‑south state highway linking the Turnpike and the Atlantic coast.
- Eversham Township, New Jersey – municipal jurisdiction encompassing Marlton.
- Transportation infrastructure modernization in New Jersey – state‑wide initiatives to replace or retrofit older traffic circles.