By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Township council approved a resolution Monday night urging Mercer County officials to install a green left-turn arrow on the traffic light at the entrance to Community Park on Princeton-Hightstown Road.
The resolution reinforces township officials’ request to modify the traffic light, which they made in response to a fatal accident that occurred when a motorist attempted to make a left turn into the park several weeks ago.
Ruby Chiang, 43, was killed when the car in which she was riding was struck broadside by another vehicle on July 26. Her husband, Robert Chiang, was driving their 2014 Acura east on Princeton-Hightstown Road and was attempting to make a left turn into the park when it was struck by another vehicle traveling west.
“Many motorists drive through and/or turn at the intersection of County Route 571 (Princeton-Highstown Road) and Community Park/Slayback Drive, and a dedicated left-turn signal for both Community Park and Slayback Drive from County Route 571 would increase the safety of the intersection for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” according to the resolution.
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh called Mercer County officials the day after the accident to request a green left-turn arrow. Mercer County engineers are undertaking studies to determine whether a left-turn arrow is warranted.
Councilman George Borek said he witnessed a near repeat of the Chiangs’ accident Sunday morning as he was taking his daughter to softball practice at Community Park. One car attempted to turn left into the park and crossed the path of an on-coming vehicle at the park entrance.
“I thought for a second that I would witness another accident (similar to the one in July),” Mr. Borek said. “Certainly, the county needs to help us in this endeavor. It is well worth all of us working together to get this thing (left-turn arrow) done.”
Township Council Vice President Linda Geevers said she asked for a formal resolution, which would be sent to the appropriate officials. She said the resolution “takes nothing away from” what Mayor Hsueh did in contacting Mercer County officials, she said.
