Garden State Times

Legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) to designate the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange" has been signed into law by Acting Governor Nick Scutari.

"U.S. Naval Academy graduate Ensign John R. Elliott exemplified true leadership and served this country with honor and distinction," said Senator Polistina (R-2). “We are deeply grateful for the Elliott family – parents Bill and Muriel and sister Jenny – for their unwavering dedication to ensure that John's legacy will forever be honored through this meaningful commemoration. This interchange will stand not only as a vital connector between two major roadways, but also as tribute to John's life, which was tragically cut short in a head-on collision with a drunk driver."

The interchange was opened in November 2023 to improve traffic conditions and will now be named after Ensign John R. Elliott.

"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 Elliott. "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. Elliott, 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, Deputy Communications Director at [email protected].