Readington Citizens for Roundabout Alternatives (RCRA) - update June 2020
Greetings from the Readington Citizens for Roundabout Alternatives (RCRA) – its been a while since we communicated and we hope we find you all safe and well.
During the “lockdown” we have maintained our focus and stayed in contact with the Readington Township Committee (TC) and the Hunterdon County Freeholders (FH) and are pleased to advise that we have some good news.
At the TC Meeting on May 18th, the TC voted unanimously on two Resolutions:-
As the RCRA looked at speed issues on both 523 and 629, it became apparent that the 40mph speed limit through the Village of Stanton was excessive for such a small hamlet and the FH and TC have agreed to reduce the speed limit to 30mph. The full text of the TC Resolution can seen on Page 30 of the TC Minutes in the link below and reads , in part,
“WHEREAS, the Township Committee requests that the Board of Chosen Freeholders approve lowering the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph on Route 629 through the Village of Stanton and relocate the 40 mph signage to be 200 to 250 feet west of Stanton and relocate the 25 mph warning signage as the sign is too close inside the village to make it effective to warn passing motorists; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Readington commits the Readington Township Police Department to work with the County so speed limit signage is updated as needed and on an agreed schedule to accomplish these changes.”
The RCRA first alternative to a roundabout at the 523/629 intersection is to reduce the speed limit on 523 in the approaches to the intersection. The TC and FH have agreed to reduce the speed limit to 35mph. The full text of the TC Resolution can be seen on Page 30 of the TC Minutes in the link below and reads, in part,
“WHEREAS, the Township Committee requests that the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders approve lowering the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph on Route 523 through the Route 629 intersection and update the requisite signage, including flashing signs on Route 523; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Readington commits the Readington Township Police Department to enforce the newly designated speed limits once all signage has been updated and is in place;”
Given the current environment in which we all find ourselves and the obvious focus that both the TC and the FH have on supporting our citizens’ health, safety and economic wellbeing, there is no date as to when these changes will be implemented but we will update you with any news as it becomes available. Right now, the daily traffic on both 523 and 629 is significantly reduced but is gradually increasing as our Town and County get back to our “new normal”.
Best regards – the RCRA Team
https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/images/TC/agendas-minutes/2020/TC-minutes051820.pdf