Garden State Times

The New Jersey Assembly has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Polistina (R-2) to designate the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the "Ensign John R. Elliot Memorial Interchange." The bill, S-2876/A-4127, garnered unanimous support in both legislative chambers and is now awaiting Governor Murphy's signature.

"The Assembly's passage of this legislation means we are one step away from formally commemorating the legacy of the late U.S. Naval Academy graduate Ensign John R. Elliot, who tragically lost his life in a head-on collision with a drunk driver," said Sen. Polistina. "Ensign Elliot exemplified true leadership and served this country with honor and distinction. With the Governor's signature, this bill would name the newly built interchange between Interstate 42 and Interstate 295 in his honor."

The new connection between these roadways is expected to improve traffic conditions on local routes and provide a more direct path for travelers.

"Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Senator Polistina for sponsoring this bill, which names the new exit connecting Interstate 295 and Route 42 in memory of our son," said Bill Elliot. "The Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange will represent more than a convenient new gateway to the Jersey Shore. It also will save lives and would have saved our son’s if it had been available the night he was killed by a drunken driver while traveling home for his mother’s birthday on an undivided highway in July 2000."

Ensign John R. Elliot, United States Navy, November 17, 1977 - July 22, 2000, was named the Outstanding HERO of his graduating class at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis for his service as a Human Education Resource Officer in the Academy's Character Development Program.

To speak with Sen. Polistina, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].