WEST WINDSOR — Proposed improvements to North Post Road, including the installation of bicycle lanes, drew a thumbs-down response from many township residents at a special meeting to discuss the project Wednesday night.
The meeting was called in response to Township Council’s awarding of a contract to an engineering firm to study improvements to North Post Road, between Clarksville Road and Emil Street, and to prepare conceptual plans. The session was suggested after several residents expressed concern about the project.
Township Engineer Francis Guzik outlined the project, which would make North Post Road — between Municipal Drive and Emil Street — either 32 feet wide or 36 feet wide. The road varies in width, but he does not know the width, he told township residents at the Wednesday night meeting.
Several utility poles would be relocated. The proposed project also calls for installing bicycle lanes on both sides of North Post Road, plus sidewalks on the western side. On-street parking would be eliminated in front of four homes, because of the bicycle lane. The curve would remain, but it would be “softened,” Mr. Guzik said.
But several residents, some of whom live on North Post Road, made it clear that they are opposed to installing bicycle lanes. Some residents also expressed concern about speeding, and hinted that any improvements would invite motorists to exceed the 35-miles-per-hour speed limit.
Patricia Ward, the township’s director of Community Development, said some people believe that North Post Road is being widened, but it’s really just adding bicycle lanes. The impetus for the project, in part, comes from the Master Plan’s bicycle and pedestrian element, she said.
Frank Cioffi, who lives on North Post Road, said he has been a bicyclist for 45 years. North Post Road is not included in a map of roads suitable for bicyclists because of the volume of traffic on it, he said, adding that it is a dangerous street on which to ride a bicycle.
“To encourage people to ride a bicycle on it is inviting disaster,” Mr. Cioffi said.
One North Post Road resident objected to eliminating on-street parking in front of his house, if a bicycle lane is installed. He said it would present an inconvenience for guests, who would have to park on Monterey Drive or at the Municipal Complex and then walk to his house.
North Post Road “is already absurd, speed-wise,” said Monterey Drive resident Tony Crosta. Motorists are still speeding, and there is nothing to slow them down on their way to the train station to catch the train, he said.
“It’s a death trap. You have to recognize that. If you improve it, it will become a 50-miles-per-hour road,” Mr. Crosta said.
Ms. Ward acknowledged that there have been many comments about speeding cars, and that she will tell Chief of Police Joseph Pica. Speed surveys are conducted to determine the appropriate speed on a street, she said.
Jerry Foster, who serves on the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, pointed out that lowering the speed limit would improve pedestrian safety. Motorists who are traveling at 35 miles per hour or less are more likely to stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street, he said.
Bicycle lanes also help to calm traffic, Mr. Foster said.
Meanwhile, Township Council President Bryan Maher, who attended part of the meeting with Township Council Vice President Linda Geevers, noted that Township Council called for this meeting and he encouraged residents to email the council with comments about the proposed project.
“We take seriously public safety. The road is a disaster. (But) put yourselves in our shoes. We have to improve the road, but just how do we go about doing it? There is zero chance of pleasing everyone,” Mr. Maher said.
Mr. Maher assured the residents that if Township Council does not agree with the project, it would not be funded.
