Police Investigate Traffic Concerns At Bridgewater Intersection After Petition

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater police reviewed traffic concerns on Bogart Drive after a petition raised questions with township officials.

At the June 25 Council meeting, Police Chief John Mitzak said the department did not find a stop sign or speed problem on the road.

Subscribe

A petition launched by residents on change.org asked township officials to study whether new stop signs were needed at two "high-risk" intersections.

The request focused on Bogart Drive at Purcell Road, where residents are seeking a three-way stop, and Bogart Drive at Kiser Lane, where they are seeking a four-way stop.

Mitzak said the traffic unit investigated Bogart Drive and reviewed crash history over the last three and a half years.

"There's only been two reported crashes, not related to stop sign issues," said Mitzak. "One was someone struck a parked car not in the intersection on Bogart, and the other one was a car hit a mailbox. So there was nothing to do with stop signs or speed. It was more driver intervention in that area."

He also said the traffic unit believes four-way stops can create their own problems because "a lot of times when you have four-way stop signs, people will actually go through them instead of stop."

He added, "There's not an issue on that road that we're concerned about at this time."

Township President Joan Geiger used the discussion to urge residents to contact police before circulating petitions about traffic controls.

"I think it would be a wise idea to check with the police department and get the input from the police department before getting a petition signed about a stop sign or a traffic light or whatever because you're the experts," Geiger said.

Mitzak agreed and said a single complaint is enough to prompt a review.

"All you have to do is call us, and we will do a speed study," he said. "We don't need 100 people. If one person complains, we will definitely look into that. So, you don't need to do a petition."

Council Vice President Andrew Bucko asked what residents should do to report a traffic concern anywhere in town.

Mitzak said residents can call police directly or contact the traffic safety unit at 908-722-4111.

Kirsh said another option is to go through OCR (Office of Constituent Relations) at ocr@bridgewaternj.gov because "then it gets documented and tracked."

Previous Reporting: Stop Signs, Traffic Study Sought At 2 'High-Risk' Bridgewater Intersections

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.