
New Traffic Rules, Speed Limits Taking Effect Across Fanwood
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Fanwood drivers should pay close attention to new traffic and parking regulations taking effect across the borough. The Fanwood Borough Council approved the changes earlier this summer. Turn and parking restriction signs are now posted, and speed limit signs will be installed by the end of the week. The new regulations are designed to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians and improve traffic flow during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
Captain Dan Kranz, officer-in-charge of the Fanwood Police Department, explained the purpose of the changes. "The changes are designed to add to the safety of motorists and pedestrians and help the traffic flow during school drop-off during the morning commute and pick up after school. The changes are intended to regulate traffic flow and parking in areas affected by school traffic and changing roadway conditions."
Turn Restrictions
Northbound drivers on Terrill Road are prohibited from turning right onto Paterson Road or Stewart Place between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The restriction targets morning commute period.
Left turns from Trenton Avenue onto Martine Avenue are prohibited on school days from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The dual-period restriction addresses both morning and afternoon school traffic.
Parking Restrictions
Parking is prohibited on the west side of Hunter Avenue between Midway Avenue and 215 Hunter Avenue on school days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The restriction removes parking from school-traffic areas during school hours.
Speed Limit Changes
Fanwood has changed speed limits on several roadways to enhance safety and manage traffic flow:
La Grande Avenue and Laurel Place: 25 mph in both directions
Martine Avenue between King Street and Marian Avenue: 35 mph
Martine Avenue between Marian Avenue and North Avenue: 25 mph
Martine Avenue between North Avenue and Midway Avenue: 30 mph
Speed limit adjustments reflect changing roadway conditions and traffic patterns. Variable speed limits across Martine Avenue sections reflect different safety and traffic flow requirements by street segment.
Union County Life covers Fanwood public safety, government, and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.
School Traffic Safety
New regulations focus on school traffic periods. Morning commute (7-9 a.m.) and afternoon pick-up (2:30-4 p.m.) restrictions target peak school-related traffic. School days designation excludes holidays, recognizing that school traffic restrictions are unnecessary during non-school periods.
Regulatory Approval Process
Borough Council approval earlier this summer indicates municipal deliberation and policy decision-making. Public regulation adoption reflects community input and safety assessment.
Driver Compliance and Safety
Drivers should familiarize themselves with new restrictions and speed limits before traveling affected streets. Compliance with turn restrictions and parking prohibitions maintains safety objectives and reduces traffic congestion during school periods.
Sign Installation and Public Communication
Posted restriction signs and planned speed limit sign installation by end of week enable driver awareness and compliance. Clear signage communicates regulatory requirements to drivers.
Traffic Flow and Congestion Management
Turn restrictions and parking prohibitions reduce traffic bottlenecks and conflicting movements during peak school traffic periods. Regulated traffic flow enhances pedestrian safety near schools and residential areas.
Martine Avenue Traffic Management
Martine Avenue, a primary commercial and through-street, receives differentiated speed limits based on street segment conditions. Variable speed limit approach reflects different traffic patterns and safety requirements along the corridor.
For Fanwood Drivers
Drivers in Fanwood should note new turn restrictions, parking prohibitions, and speed limits on affected streets. Compliance with new regulations supports school traffic safety and pedestrian protection during school hours.
Find more Fanwood public safety, government, and local news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: Fanwood Police Department
FAQ
Q: What new traffic rules are taking effect in Fanwood?
A: Fanwood is implementing turn restrictions, parking prohibitions, and speed limit changes approved by Borough Council. Signs are posted and effective end of August 2026.
Q: What turn restrictions should I know about?
A: Northbound Terrill Road cannot turn right onto Paterson Road or Stewart Place 7-9 a.m. weekdays. No left turns from Trenton Avenue onto Martine Avenue on school days 7:30-9 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m.
Q: Where is parking prohibited?
A: Parking is prohibited on the west side of Hunter Avenue between Midway Avenue and 215 Hunter Avenue on school days 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Q: What are the new speed limits on Martine Avenue?
A: La Grande Avenue and Laurel Place: 25 mph; Martine Avenue (King to Marian): 35 mph; (Marian to North): 25 mph; (North to Midway): 30 mph.
Q: When do these restrictions apply?
A: Turn and parking restrictions apply during specific times (morning commute 7-9 a.m., afternoon 2:30-4 p.m.) on school days. Speed limits apply at all times.
Q: Why are these changes being made?
A: The regulations improve school traffic safety, reduce congestion during drop-off and pick-up periods, and enhance pedestrian safety.
Q: When will speed limit signs be installed?
A: Speed limit signs will be installed by the end of the week. Turn and parking restriction signs are already posted.
Q: Do these restrictions apply on holidays?
A: No. School day restrictions do not apply on holidays.
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