The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].
Question:
Hi Sir,
There is a police officer stationed at the corner of James and Williams in the morning hours and while he facilitates traffic from Williams he also causes the traffic on James to backup for about 1.5 miles (almost to Cross). This causes the intersection at Sunset and James to be a nightmare, which in turn causes traffic on Sunset backed up halfway to Central. Is there a way the officer can allow shorter stoppages of traffic on James? Perhaps he can coordinate with the light of James and River (He can’t see it from his vantage point – he would need assistance.)
Also speaking of the intersection of James and River – would it be possible to add the markings for an official turning lane? Currently, since James is wide enough people will typically create an ad hoc turning lane which causes all sorts of confusion. Would this be a county request? To whom would I forward it?
Thank you kindly.
Response from Mayor Coles:
Good morning,
The turning lane request has been submitted to the county & they have approved it. It is being designed. Hopefully they will begin construction early next year on that and several other road projects they have in the pipeline.
I will speak to Chief Meyer when I meet with him later today & ask him to look into better coordination in that area.
Thanks
Ray
—————–
Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]
Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]
Coordinating the stoppages with the traffic light on Sunset and James is not so simple. Due to the heavy volume of traffic driving southbound on Sunset and eastbound on James, there is a constant volume of cars coming from one direction or the other. When the light is red for the cars traveling eastbound on James, potentially creating a lull in the traffic on James, many cars traveling southbound on Sunset are making a left turn onto James, filling that lull. It never ends. This is in large part due to the fact that many people use Sunset Rd as an alternative to River Avenue, and James Street as an alternative to Central Avenue.
How about James and Pine having green light at alternate times so traffic can keep moving?
Maybe you can find out from the county why the light by Williams and Prospect is so long?
All must agree that the only talented branch of government in our state is the lkwd housing planning board. They seem to get the job done quickly while all other branches of gov seem to take years on catching up to their advanced knowledge and foresight of this town.
@Not So Simple,
Well said! I substituted at this crossing guard post a few times this summer, and, then too, some drivers told me that I was giving “preference” to one way of traffic over another.
Ultimately, we all want our lane to never stop – no matter what lane are traveling in! – but if you think about that, you’ll realize that makes no sense.
Once the county installs a light, there will be even more complaints that the lights aren’t synced.
Please remember that the officers (and the crossing guards in the summer) are trying to do their best for #trafficsafety for all.
Also, please consider joining our wonderful team!
Crossing guard has truly added much light and spirit to my life.
Applications are available at 732-363-0200 x 5380.
Crossing guards and lights have their limitations. It doesn’t put less cars on the road, and it doesn’t add more streets for traffic to divert to.
Let’s face the facts if you live in Lakewood you have to be prepared to sit in traffic.
FYI over time it will get worse. KEEP ON BUILDING!!!
I go on James that way every morning at the same time. Some days it is worse than others. I have been paying attention to which crossing guard is on duty when it is better and worse. There is one specific crossing guard who causes it to be worse than the others. He seems to focus on keeping Williams clear without realizing how far he is backing up the rest of the areas (James, Sunset and Pine).
I know everyone is tired of hearing this, but it’s about time the Township and the Planning Board stop building houses and start looking at the Township map and start planning where and how to build more roads. There is still vacant land (not much so be quick) that can be used to make roads. Maybe the Township can get funding grants from the State or Federal Governments.
While I have your attention:
Chestnut and New Hamshire desperately needs a light!
Chestnut and New Hamshire
Chestnut and New Hamshire
Chestnut and New Hamshire
Pleaaase!
by the way another 85 houses are coming to the area
Just wondered if maybe the measles is spreading from people sitting in traffic next to infected people…..hmmmmmm……