Back in 2000, Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a B.S. with merit in Systems Engineering. A member of the 5th Battalion, John was preparing for Naval Flight Officer School in Pensacola to further his promising career when his life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000.

This bill designates the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the “Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange” to honor the memory of John R. Elliott. The interchange, which opened in November with two new exit ramps, is expected to improve traffic conditions on local routes and provide a more direct route for travelers.

“This tribute will honor the life and service of Ensign John R. Elliott, an exemplary young man whose life was tragically cut short,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “He was a beloved son, brother, friend and officer who served our country with distinction. His legacy will live on through the selfless work of his family with the HERO campaign, which will help prevent future tragedies and save lives.”

As consistent with New Jersey Department of Transportation policy and other road designations, the bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the “Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange.” Instead, the Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive financial assistance from private sources for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation.

“Navy Ensign John R. Elliott was tragically killed by a drunk driver and nothing will bring him back,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Naming this interchange after him will honor John’s memory, and bring attention to the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers started by his family, so no one else has to suffer a similar tragedy.”

The primary sponsors of S2876/A4127 are Senator Polistina, Senator Cruz-Perez, Assemblyman Guardian, Assemblywoman Swift, and Assemblyman Bailey.

“U.S. Naval Academy graduate Ensign John R. Elliott exemplified true leadership and served this country with honor and distinction,” said Senator Vincent Polistina. “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.”

“I am glad to see the Acting Governor provide his signature for this remembrance of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, a native of Egg Harbor Township and graduate of the United States Naval Academy whose life was tragically cut short due to a drunk driver,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “I especially want to commend Ensign Elliott’s parents for their activism in combatting drunk driving, which has no doubt contributed to saving many lives that would have otherwise been lost.”

“John was just 22 and had his whole life, his whole bright naval career ahead of him, and it was taken away in a moment by the reckless act of an intoxicated driver who also lost his life that night 24 years ago. I know John’s family believes that if this new connection were there that day, John would still be with us. I believe he is with us in spirit today as we officially designate this interchange in his honor. May it serve as reminder of his lasting legacy to protect others from the dangers of drunk driving,” said Assemblyman Don Guardian.

“I know John’s parents, Bill and Muriel, visit a granite cross erected at the crash site every July 22 and smile at the memories they have of their son and all the good that has come from this tragedy. Lives have been saved. I hope they drive this stretch of highway and smile as well. Their son, their loss and the impact they have had on New Jersey’s laws and drunk driving prevention will never be taken for granted,” said Assemblywoman Claire Swift.

“At 22 years old, John R. Elliott was on the cusp of adulthood when his life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver in the summer of 2000,” said Assemblyman Dave Bailey, Jr.  “With the signing of S2876, the Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange will now stand as both a fitting tribute to a man named ‘Outstanding HERO’ of his graduating class at the US Naval Academy and a stark reminder of the dangers that arise when people get behind the wheel impaired.”

“On behalf of our son, we are honored by this legislation in his memory. John was preparing to serve his country as a Naval Flight Officer when a drunk driver ended those dreams. The lives saved by this new interchange will now serve as his permanent legacy, along with the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers and its goal to end drunk driving tragedies,” said Bill Elliott, father of John Elliott and Chairman of the HERO Campaign.