needs permanent solution
Potential problem at exit
needs permanent solution
Credit is due the Howell Police Department for bringing an issue to light that could have been overlooked and put motorists in a dangerous position.
It was several weeks ago that Police Chief Ronald Carter first informed Greater Media News-papers that traffic safety officers from his department had determined there is a problem with an exit ramp leading from the new eastbound Route 33 bypass to Howell Road.
The situation that is causing concern would result when drivers heading east on the bypass exit to Howell Road. At the end of the exit ramp, drivers will have to turn left onto Howell Road, but police are concerned that a bridge over the bypass may prevent drivers who are making the left turn from seeing oncoming vehicles already on the road.
There is no traffic light at the end of the exit ramp to stop cars that may be traveling upwards of 50 mph. The presence of a traffic light would prevent motorists from having to guess whether a car they can’t see is coming over the bridge and speeding toward them.
Initial indications were that Howell officials might move to reduce the speed limit on Howell Road from 50 mph to 40 mph.
There is no guarantee — indeed, police believe it is unlikely — that motorists would drive 40 mph on a road that police acknowledge was designed as a 50 mph road.
Lowering the speed limit seems like a feel-good move that will cover up a problem but not solve it. We are not convinced it is the correct way to proceed.
When the final leg of the Route 33 bypass between Halls Mill Road in Freehold Township and Fairfield Road in Howell was opened to traffic two weeks ago, officials from the state Depart-ment of Transportation had decided on another option. They left the exit ramp to Howell Road closed.
This is a move that will work in the short term, but not in the long term.
Obviously, the Howell Road exit from the bypass was designed to be used by motorists. While it may not be used at peak capacity now, there will come a day 10 or 15 years from now when it will be. It is not acceptable to build a road with an exit and then decide not to open the exit to traffic.
The long-term solution that makes the most sense would be the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of the bypass exit ramp and Howell Road. That appears to be the way to cure the potential problem that Howell police were right to bring to light, rather than just putting a bandage on it (lowering the speed limit) or ignoring it (keeping the exit closed).
A traffic light will not come cheaply, but township officials, working with Monmouth County freeholders and state representatives, should pursue this avenue as a viable solution.
Residents, meanwhile, should thank the police department for being on the ball and doing its job to ensure people’s safety.