By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Township Council has awarded a $31,800 contract to a Hamilton Township-based engineering firm to study improvements to North Post Road, between Clarksville Road and Emil Street.
Roberts Engineering Group LLC will study the existing conditions and develop conceptual plans for a widened roadway that will include two travel lanes for cars, two dedicated bicycle lanes and a curb and sidewalk.
Residents and the public will be able to attend a preliminary meeting with the consultant to discuss the design of North Post Road. Widening of the road, which varies in width, has been in the township’s Master Plan for years.
But several residents called on Township Council not to widen the road at its meeting last week. They suggested focusing on more enforcement of the speed limits by the West Windsor Township Police Department.
“I think we all agree that safety is the issue,” said RosemaryValeo, who lives on Monterey Drive.
Ms. Valeo, who has lived in West Windsor Township for 38 years, called for enforcement of the existing speed limit. She said that walking on North Post Road means taking one’s life in one’s hands.
Ernest Valeo, who also lives on Monterey Drive, said that motorists exiting the traffic roundabout at Alexander Road and North Post Road use it as a launching pad. There is a constant stream of traffic on North Post Road, and he suggested installing speed humps to slow down the cars.
Yves Jean-Jacques, who lives on North Post Road, also called for stricter enforcement. Widening the roadway will not necessarily make it any safer, he said, adding that it is important to enforce the law for safety’s sake.
Councilman George Borek thanked the residents for their input, and told them that Township Council has received their emails and read them. The council has been dealing with the issue of North Post Road for a long time, and “no one wants to make it more dangerous,” he said.
“Rest assured, there is nothing in here to turn it into a superhighway,” Mr. Borek said.
Responding to the residents’ requests for input, Council President Bryan Maher said the council is “inclusive” and is looking for public input. The council will make sure that their concerns are included in any discussions.
“We just want to make the road better and safer,” Mr. Maher said.
