Officials May Temporarily Change Traffic Flow

Westwood officials discussed Tuesday the possibility of testing out a new traffic pattern to see if the reconfiguration, which would cost the borough $354,000, would make sense. The proposed changes are meant to be done in conjunction with the Broadway intersection improvements and train re-signalization project.

Borough Engineer Stephen Boswell previously reviewed plans with government officials, . During the council meeting Tuesday night, Mayor John Birkner Jr. suggested making the changes temporarily to see what happens with the traffic.

Coucilwoman Cynthia Waneck said she was concerned that the test would be flawed since changes to the Broadway intersections wouldn't yet be complete.

"You can't simulate part of the action," Waneck said. "You have to simulate the whole action."

But Boswell said the problems at the Broadway intersections are separate from the area the mayor suggested testing.

Council President Robert Miller was in favor of the simulation. "Let's get more information that allows us to say if $354,000 is going to be a wise investment," he said.

Birkner said it would be a good idea to try out the changes at a minimal cost. "I think it's in our best interest to simulate what we might potentially want to do," he said. "If it doesn't work, it doesn't work."

Councilwoman Ingrid Quinn asked if Park Avenue could temporarily be made a two-way street without jeopardizing residents. Boswell said signs would be posted prior to and during the simulation to warn motorists and pedestrians. He added that some parking would have to be eliminated to make the roadway wide enough for cars traveling in both directions, but it could be done. Part of the project includes widening the roadway to preserve parking spaces, which wouldn't be completed in the test.

Waneck said she would agree to the simulation if adequate parking was provided for library patrons and commuters. Since Boswell wasn't sure exactly how many spots would be eliminated, he agreed to do some research and report back to the council at the next meeting.

To get the best data, Boswell said the changes would have to be in place for one full month while school is in session. Birkner suggested starting the changes as soon as possible to give motorists time to get used to them before the increased traffic that comes with school openings. The simulation would run through the end of September.

Boswell said the equipment needed for the test could be rented the day after a council decision.

Birkner suggested starting the temporary changes a week after the next council meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 16.

Boswell said he also has computer simulations of the traffic patterns that he will share with officials.