The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to AskTheMayor@thelakewoodscoop.com.

Question:

Hi,

Thank you for listening and addressing each persons questions/concerns.
I have a question on 2 different areas.

1. In creating sidewalks along Route 9: Why is the ‘grass strip’ between the sidewalk and curb being created with so much space when that space (as well as the shoulder in some areas) can be used for additional lane space or turning lanes?

2. The cars making a left onto Clover from Cedarbridge create a small backup, but then causes cars to quickly try and jump into the right lane. Is there a way to put in a turning lane at the intersection?

Thank you!

Response from Mayor Coles:

Thank you for writing

It is important to note that both of these questions involve roads that do not belong to the township, and we have limited ability to force issues.

We have been working with the DOT to install sidewalks along Rt. 9 for quite some time. The work being done on Rt 9 is not the final version we and the state hope for. There may indeed be additional turning lanes installed at some point. The sidewalks are being installed in the area that would place them outside of future road work, so they would not have to be torn out if (when) the roadway is expanded. Personally, as a safety concern, I am relieved that there is additional space between pedestrians and the travel lanes on 9.

The County is currently developing a plan to improve all the intersections across the entire length of Cedarbridge as well as putting in additional turning lanes. Clover will be one of them.

Take Care

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor,

I drive down Massachusetts Avenue daily and have done so for several years. Until recently, the traffic light at the intersection of Cross Street and Massachusetts Avenue worked efficiently. There were rarely more than a few cars waiting at any of the corners.

However, with the recent addition of green turn arrows for all directions, the light on Cross Street now stays green for approximately twice as long as it used to, while the green light on Massachusetts Avenue has been shortened. This change has created significant delays on Massachusetts Avenue.

There is now a consistent line of cars in both directions on Massachusetts Avenue. This morning, I had to wait through two full cycles of the light because only about six cars were able to pass during the short green light. Meanwhile, there were no vehicles waiting at the Cross Street intersection, yet we continued to sit idle.

While the left-turn arrows are a nice addition, they seem to remain green for too long, contributing to the imbalance in traffic flow.

I kindly suggest reducing the green light duration on Cross Street by at least one-third, or even by half, to better accommodate the volume of traffic on Massachusetts Avenue. The current setup is causing unnecessary frustration and delays for drivers traveling on Massachusetts Avenue.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I appreciate your consideration.

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good morning

I forwarded your email to the county engineer. It is not unusual for new lights and traffic patterns to have unintended consequences, which require adjusting timing as well as drivers getting used to the new patterns. The county has always been supportive of looking into these issues, and I am sure they will address it promptly

Thanks

Ray

Question:

Good morning!

I really appreciate that Lakewooders have an address for our concerns and that you take all of it seriously and do what you can to help. Lakewood appreciates you!

Frequently, on the Lakewood Scoop, there are videos posted of cars zipping past busses stop signs and flashing red lights often just barely avoiding hitting children. Obviously, this is a major concern for parents, bus drivers, and really anyone who cares. The simple solution of having bus drivers stop at an angle (blocking traffic in both directions) for some reason is illegal. Cars may not pass the buss and neither may emergency vehicles. What is the purpose for this law and can it be changed so that all busses dropping off children who need to cross the street can safely do so?

Thanks!

Mrs. N

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good morning

I have had several conversations with the chief about the committee’s desire to increase enforcement for this type of violation.

Many drivers do angle the bus when they stop and to my knowledge the department does not cite them for any violation. It is not always safe or possible for them to do this at every stop.

Now that cameras to identify this behavior are becoming standard on all buses, I am confident that the information will be used to track down these drivers. Hopefully the state can legislate heavier penalties for this type of behavior.

Thanks

Ray

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