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

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater residents have launched a petition asking township officials to study whether new stop signs are needed at two "high-risk" intersections, citing speeding and heavier traffic on the residential road.

"What was once a low-volume street is now a daily shortcut for commuters and shoppers — at speeds that endanger everyone on it," wrote Rohit Khurana, who launched the petition on change.org.

The request focuses 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.

Both areas serve as a primary connector to Route 28.

"Despite a posted speed limit of 25 mph and stop signs, vehicles routinely exceed this limit, particularly at two intersections that have become high-risk zones for our children and neighbors," wrote Khurana.

The petition states that the traffic volume on Bogart Drive has increased substantially due to rapid commercial development along Route 28 and the Somerville Circle area.

"New retail establishments and businesses have drawn more drivers who cut through our residential neighborhood to avoid congestion on main roads," wrote Khurana.

The petition calls on the Bridgewater Township Engineering Department, Traffic Safety Bureau, and Township Council to conduct a formal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices(MUTCD) multi-way stop warrant study at both intersections within 60 days, present the findings to the Township Council in a public session, and install the stop signs if the warrants are confirmed.

The petition also cites Federal Highway Administration research that says intersections with multi-way stop signs can reduce overall traffic accidents by up to 68 percent. The statement describes the issue as a safety concern for children and pedestrians in the neighborhood.

Bridgewater Township Council Vice President Andrew Bucko addressed the petition and issued a comment stating, "I want to thank the Bridgewater residents who have shared their concerns regarding traffic on Bogart Drive. I share the concerns that added traffic volume, especially when speed limits are not respected, can be dangerous to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers."

Bucko said he has already asked township administration to look into the issue.

"I have made the Bridgewater Township administration aware of the concerns on Bogart Drive and requested an investigation into whether a change to the traffic patterns at the intersections along Bogart Drive are warranted," said Bucko.

He added, "I want to assure residents that their concerns have been heard and are being taken seriously."

As of Tuesday, the petition has 132 signatures.

For more information or to sign the petition, visit change.org/p/install-multi-way-stop-signs-on-bogart-drive-bridgewater-nj.

Recently, at the June 4 Council meeting, Bucko said the New Jersey Department of Transportation has approved new stop signs to be installed at the Route 22 east exit onto Vosseller Avenue after residents raised concerns about vehicle speeds there. Read More: New Stop Signs To Be Installed At Route 22 Exit In Bridgewater To Improve Safety

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