MANALAPAN – Municipal officials said they will examine the speed at which motorists are driving on Woodward Road after two Manalapan residents expressed concern about the situation.
During the public comment portion of the Township Committee’s Oct. 10 meeting, Jaclyn Puleio and Catherine Varacallo said they do not believe drivers are adhering to the 25 mph speed limit on the stretch of Woodward Road between Sweetmans Lane and Darlington Drive.
“The speeding is getting out of control and it is creating an unsafe situation. I am afraid to have my daughter pick flowers with me in our front yard. There has been an increase in traffic here after businesses opened on Woodward Road near Route 33. People from other towns are using this road. This is an extremely residential neighborhood,” Puleio said.
Puleio asked township officials if a radar unit displaying a driver’s speed could be placed on Woodward Road and/or if the installation of speed humps could serve as a way to slow down mortorists.
Varacallo, who identified herself as Puleio’s mother, said, “the speed of cars on Woodward Road is unbelievable. I’m afraid to step off the curb to get my mail. I would like to see something done here before a child gets hurt.”
Committeewoman Mary Ann Musich said she will reach out to Police Chief Michael Fountain to determine what measures can be taken.
Township Engineer James Winckowski said representatives of his office would visit the site to gather data relating to the speed at which vehicles are traveling.
Regarding speed humps, Winckowski said emergency responders have concerns with speed humps and because of those concerns, Puleio’s suggestion would require an additional level of investigation before that type of traffic calming device can be implemented.
