Suggestions reviewed to ease N.B. Community Park traffic

BY JENNIFER AMATO

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Suggestions are being reviewed by the township’s Traffic Safety Committee for ways to alleviate traffic concerns coming into and out of North Brunswick Community Park.

At the Jan. 11 Township Council meeting, resident Linda Warhaftig told officials that the ingress and egress along Route 130 is dangerous, causing residents to make illegal turns when exiting the park onto Route 130 south. She also suggested that the back service gate be opened at all times to allow traffic to flow onto Adams Lane.

The only way into the park, currently, is from Route 130 coming southbound from the Adams Lane intersection.

Yet Marie Santoro, a resident of Adams Lane, said at the Jan. 11 meeting that if the back gate were to be opened, it would create an even worse traffic situation on Adams Lane than already exists.

Councilwoman Cathy Nicola, who is the township liaison to the Traffic Safety Committee, said that the committee discussed alternatives during its Jan. 12 meeting, specifically a potential jug handle at Apple Orchard Lane and Route 130 and/or a police officer present at a crossing post during high park traffic usage on the Route 130 entry and exit.

According to the Meeting Minutes from Jan. 12, there are concerns about the safety gate being opened, such as drivers attempting to make a left onto Adams Lane, drivers using the road as a cut through to Route 130, and the back area of the park being used for loitering.

“The committee felt that opening the gate would have more of a negative impact due to safety issues,” according to the Minutes.

Since over 300 residents signed a petition complaining about the current situation, the committee wants to discuss this issue more in depth and will follow up during a meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9.

“It is our goal to research this in its entirety, weigh alternatives and to conclude with a plan that makes travel safest for all of our residents,” Nicola said.

Contact Jennifer Amato at

[email protected].