At its June 9 meeting, the council requested that the county pay for and perform the construction to widen the road on Route 571 near Grovers Mill Estates to allow for a left-turn only lane into the residential development.##M:[more]##
Anklowitz had suggested during the meeting that the township look into removing the no left-turn sign that had been placed there in 2000 as a result of numerous accidents happening as a result of people making those left turns. He suggested, however, that perhaps the left turns could be permitted during non-peak hours, or that a left-turn lane be put in.
“A number of folks in Grovers Mill Estates have said that once they make a right turn out of their neighborhood onto Route 571 and come back toward their houses, they have to go through South Mill and Slayback to get back into Grovers Mill Estates, or make a U-turn illegally on Route 571 and then make a right turn,” he said. “We certainly don’t want to back-track on public safety,” but he said he was looking for other options.
Acting township engineer Rob Korkuch said that township professionals reviewed the accident reports, which showed that the no left-turn sign was actually helpful. He said data from before the change was made showed that accidents had occurred in the area at various times throughout the day, and that the only way it would be safe is if the road was widened and re-striped for a left-turn lane, or if a traffic signal was put in.
Pica echoed the sentiment. “This was brought to light in 2000, when we had a fatal motor vehicle accident that was caused by somebody stopping in that left lane,” he said. “Prior to that, records of accidents occurring periodically were caused by people make a left turn. Since that’s been enacted, basically we’re down to zero accidents caused by somebody at that intersection. One of the few accidents we have had there is when somebody was making an illegal left turn there. It’s been a success as far as I’m concerned.”
“To remove that sign at this time, I think you’re asking for trouble in my opinion,” he said. However, “to create a left-hand turn at that point allowable through widening? Great idea — if you can find somebody to pay for it.”
He said the idea of prohibiting no left turns at peak hours wouldn’t help, referring to the fatal accident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, an off-peak time.
Councilwoman Linda Geevers asked if Pica would support the idea if the county agreed to widen the road, and he said he would. Community Development Coordinator Pat Ward said she has spoken to the county, which usually widens county routes as a result of development on either side, and because one side is already developed, and development on the other side of the road in that section has already been approved, it probably wasn’t an option for West Windsor.
Anklowitz, however, said that “freeholders are not inclined to act unless we call them,” and suggested the council pass a resolution requesting the action anyway. Council unanimously supported the move.
The council also introduced an ordinance that would limit the area on which residents cut down trees on their properties. The move is meant to preserve neighborhoods with certain characteristics and traits. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 23.
