Fanwood Council Lowers Speed Limits, Sets School-Day Traffic Rules

The Fanwood Council has adopted an ordinance lowering speed limits on several borough streets and establishing new traffic restrictions on school days and weekday mornings. The ordinance, adopted on August 12, 2026, is effective immediately. Fanwood Police Captain Dan Kranz highlighted the changes at the council meeting, emphasizing the focus on traffic safety in downtown Fanwood and near school buildings.

Union County Life covers Fanwood municipal government, traffic safety, and public works across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Speed Limit Reductions

The ordinance reduces posted speeds on four corridors across Fanwood, creating a more consistent speed environment and improving safety for residents and visitors.

Affected streets and new speed limits:

La Grande Avenue: 25 mph (designated area)

Laurel Place: 25 mph (reduced from 30 mph)

Martine Avenue (King Street to Coriell Avenue): 35 mph (reduced from 40 mph)

Marine Avenue (North Avenue to Midway Avenue): 30 mph (reduced from 35 mph)

Downtown Speed Limit

The center of town now carries a 25 mph speed limit, creating a lower-speed zone for pedestrian safety and traffic calming in the downtown commercial and civic area.

School-Day Parking Restrictions

On school days, no parking is permitted on Hunter Avenue near School One during two peak periods:

• Morning: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. (before school start)

• Afternoon: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (school dismissal)

These restrictions clear parking spaces during the times when the highest concentration of student traffic occurs, improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety during school arrival and dismissal.

Turn Prohibitions: School Days

On school days, left turns from Trenton Avenue onto Martine Avenue are prohibited from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. This restriction covers the morning dropoff window at McGinn School, preventing conflicts between left-turning vehicles and crossing students.

Turn Prohibitions: Weekdays

On weekdays, no right turns are permitted from Terrill Road onto Paterson Road or from Terrill Road onto Stewart Place between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. This morning rush-hour restriction prevents right-turn traffic conflicts during peak commute and school dropoff times.

Compliance and Safety

These new traffic restrictions take effect immediately. Fanwood drivers and residents should familiarize themselves with the new speed limits and restricted turn hours to ensure compliance and traffic safety.

The restrictions focus on two key safety periods:

• Morning school hours (7 a.m. – 9 a.m.): Highest concentration of school traffic and pedestrian crossings

• School dismissal (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.): Second peak period for student movement and parent pickup traffic

Police Enforcement

Fanwood Police will enforce the new speed limits and turn restrictions. Drivers should expect speed limit enforcement and monitoring of restricted turn corridors during designated times.

Why These Changes

Speed reduction and traffic restriction ordinances address documented traffic safety concerns. Lower speeds in downtown and school zones reduce crash severity and give drivers more time to react to pedestrians and cyclists. Turn prohibitions at specific times reduce intersection conflicts during peak pedestrian activity.

Fanwood residents who have questions about the new restrictions or need clarification on specific corridors should contact the Fanwood Police Department or the borough's Traffic or Public Works department.

Find more Fanwood news, traffic updates, and municipal government information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When did the new speed limits take effect?
A: August 12, 2026. The ordinance is effective immediately.

Q: What are the new speed limits in Fanwood?
A: La Grande Avenue and Laurel Place are 25 mph. Marine Avenue (North to Midway) is 30 mph. Martine Avenue (King to Coriell) is 35 mph. Downtown Fanwood is 25 mph.

Q: Why did Fanwood reduce speed limits?
A: To improve traffic safety, especially in downtown areas and near schools. Lower speeds reduce crash severity and give drivers more reaction time.

Q: Are there parking restrictions in Fanwood?
A: Yes. On school days, no parking is permitted on Hunter Avenue near School One from 8–9 a.m. and 2–3:30 p.m.

Q: Which turns are prohibited?
A: On school days, no left turns from Trenton Avenue to Martine Avenue between 7:30–9 a.m. On weekdays, no right turns from Terrill Road to Paterson Road or Stewart Place between 7–9 a.m.

Q: Who announced these changes?
A: Fanwood Police Captain Dan Kranz announced the changes at a council meeting on August 12, 2026.

Q: Are there other speed zones in Fanwood?
A: Check with the Fanwood Police Department or Public Works for information about additional traffic regulations.

Q: How will Fanwood Police enforce these restrictions?
A: The Fanwood Police Department will enforce the new speed limits and turn prohibitions.