If you have been driving around Egg Harbor Township over the past day or so, perhaps you have noticed that giant metal poles have appeared along sections of the Black Horse Pike. What are they for?

While I don't have an official answer, I think I can put two and two together here and make some assumptions.

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It would be my guess that the NJ Department of Transportation is upgrading the Black Horse Pike to be a smart highway -- or at least a highway that is smarter than it is now.

That giant pole at the Black Horse Pike and English Creek Avenue is likely going to be for a traffic camera, especially given the small mount that is located at the one end of the pole. Other poles like this one have also appeared at the Pike and Tilton Road and also in Mays Landing where Route 40 merges by Hamilton Mall.

Giant metal pole at the Black Horse Pike and English Creek Avenue in Egg Harbor Township NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
Giant metal pole at the Black Horse Pike and English Creek Avenue in Egg Harbor Township NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
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Over the past few months, workers have also been installing what appear to be sensors that detect traffic flow, too.

Sensors typically used to detect traffic flow have been installed along the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
Sensors typically used to detect traffic flow have been installed along the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
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You may have also seen that many intersections are getting an overhaul, especially in Mays Landing by the mall, with new traffic lights being installed.

New traffic lights being installed at the Black Horse Pike by Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
New traffic lights being installed at the Black Horse Pike by Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman
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Hopefully, traffic cameras combined with sensors that detect delays and 'smarter' red lights -- and maybe even a few variable message signs along the way -- will allow all of us to have a much quicker commute.

Variable message sign along Route 42 in Camden County NJ - Photo: Google Maps
Variable message sign along Route 42 in Camden County NJ - Photo: Google Maps
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We shall see...

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