Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 8, 2012 Mahwah Synchronized signals coming to local intersections by Frank J. McMahon The installation of synchronized traffic signals at the intersections of West Ramapo and East Ramapo avenues and Island Road in Mahwah is not expected to start before the spring of 2013. That information was provided to the Mahwah Township Council by Professional Engineer Mike Kelly of the Boswell McClave Engineering firm. Kelly also advised the council that the preliminary alignment of the intersections has been reviewed with the county, which is in the process of proceeding with the design of the project. The two traffic lights at these intersections are expected to improve safety and traffic congestion at those intersections during peak traffic periods. Traffic heading east on West Ramapo Avenue often backs up waiting for vehicles to turn left to travel north on Island Road. Traffic heading west on East Ramapo Avenue backs up waiting for vehicles turning left to travel south on Island Road. Both left turns are impeded by traffic traveling north and south on Island Road and turning into West Ramapo and East Ramapo avenues. The interest of the council in providing traffic signals at these two intersections dates back to 2007 when Kevin Boswell of Boswell McClave informed the council that Bergen County intended to place traffic signals at the two intersections. The council then approved the preparation of a topographical survey of the area at a cost of $12,600. Boswell told the council that, once the survey was completed, the county was expected to prepare the functional design of the project and seek bids. He advised at that time that the township would be responsible for acquiring any easements that would be needed for the project and for providing traffic direction. The county would pay for the inspection of the project, he said. At that meeting, Boswell reminded the council there was a serious accident at the West Ramapo Avenue and Island Road intersection in 2005 that involved a crossing guard who was seriously injured when she was struck by an automobile turning left off West Ramapo Avenue and proceeding north onto Island Road. Councilman Samuel Alderisio, the township’s former police chief, was on the council at that time. He acknowledged the traffic problem in that area and agreed that, when a motorist is waiting to make a left from West Ramapo Avenue onto Island Road, the traffic backs up. Alderisio also asked at the time if the road could be widened to allow motorists to turn right at that intersection while a car is waiting to make the left, but Boswell said that might affect private property. Boswell also said the solution to the traffic and safety issues in that area is more complicated than just adding a left turn lane. He advised that the county has the jurisdiction for solving this problem and, while the township can provide input to the county, it cannot dictate how it wants the problem solved. Worthy competitors The Future Business Leaders of America congratulates regional finalists Ethan Meyers in sports management, Jordan Cohen in accounting, and Kyle Dontoh in economics. These three FBLA members will participate in the state competition on March 16 at the Hilton in New Brunswick. Front row: Ethan Meyers, Jordan Cohen, and Kyle Dontoh. Back row: John Pascale, principal; Carolyn Ferguson, advisor; and Cynthia Gerry, advisor.