Safety Concerns At Bridgewater Intersection Prompt Police Action

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Safety concerns at an intersection near Bridgewater-Raritan High School were voiced by multiple parents on Monday night prompting police to take action.

"Our students at the high school are walkers, some are also driving. And the corner of John Christian Drive and Garretson Road has become really, actually, scary," said Lynn Kurdyla who lives nearby on Thruway Drive. "Most of us don't allow our kids to walk anymore because we've seen too many times where it was a close call or people aren't stopping."

Kurdyla spoke with three other mothers in the area at the Oct. 3 meeting asking the township council for help. They had initially reached out to school superintendent Robert Beers but were told this was a township issue.

"The addition of a crossing guard is under the purview of the municipal government. As always, we look to partner with local law enforcement to provide for the safety and security of our students," Beers told Patch.

At the meeting, Acting Police Chief Brian Blath said the department has "been made aware of the concerns and we obviously share in those."

Police started a study of that intersection on Tuesday to check for proper safe gaps to allow a student to cross.

Blath also noted that the department was looking into the crossing guard situation. However, the department has been down two guards and is "having trouble filling those positions."

Councilman Timothy Ring suggested looking at Somerville who outsourced their crossing guards to a private vendor but added the township might have to pay a bit more.

"If you don't have a crossing guard for that morning, would it be reasonable to have an officer go in and perform that responsibility until you get a crossing guard?" asked Council President Allen Kurdyla.

Blath noted that several times a week the department has officers deployed to fill gaps.

"We have spent a good deal of manpower filling those posts minus when there is an emergency," said Blath.

Mayor Matthew Moench suggested asking the school district if they could spare a school monitor in the morning until a crossing guard is hired.

"I like that idea the best," said Councilman Michael Kirsh of Moench's idea.

Ring also suggested installing flashing crosswalk lights similar to the ones added in front of the YMCA building.

"Look at what was done there versus what can be done at John Christian," said Ring.

The study of the intersection by the police department is currently continuing this week to determine a way to increase safety.

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