Township of Berkeley Heights Announces Traffic Safety Improvements Ahead of 2026-2027 School Year

The Township of Berkeley Heights is implementing a comprehensive series of traffic safety improvements around local schools ahead of the 2026-2027 school year beginning September 1. Municipal traffic safety enhancements target three specific locations and include speed-reduction measures, traffic-pattern modifications, and speed-limit changes designed to improve safety for students, families, and motorists.

Three separate improvements address documented traffic and safety concerns at school locations. The Township is installing speed-reduction infrastructure on Glenside Road, modifying traffic patterns at Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Education Center, and pursuing speed-limit reductions at school facilities.

Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights municipal government, public works, and community information across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Glenside Road Speed Bumps and Safety Measures

On Glenside Road, the Township will install rubber speed bumps in both directions from the intersection of Glenside Avenue up the hill toward Hunterdon Boulevard. The speed bumps are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for motorists exiting side streets onto Glenside Road—addressing speeding and dangerous intersection conditions.

The temporary rubber speed bumps can be removed during winter months to eliminate vehicle traction concerns on icy or snow-covered conditions. Seasonal installation and removal allows year-round safety without creating winter driving hazards.

Digital Speed-Display Signs on Glenside Road

The Township is seeking funding to install digital speed-display signs on Glenside Road in the speed-bump location. The signs were identified as a priority due to limited visibility conditions coming out of Hunterdon Boulevard.

Speed-display signs inform drivers of their actual driving speed and encourage speed reduction through real-time feedback. The signs supplement physical speed bumps with driver awareness and voluntary speed reduction.

Mary Kay McMillin Center Turning Lane

The Township is modifying the traffic pattern on Mountain Avenue in front of Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Education Center by adding a center turning lane dedicated to left turns. The new lane allows eastbound drivers to turn left into Mary Kay McMillin school or residential streets across from the facility without holding up through traffic.

The center turning lane addresses traffic congestion and safety issues created by left-turning vehicles blocking traffic flow during school drop-off and pickup times.

Traffic Congestion and Intersection Backing

"Traffic congestion at Mary Kay McMillin during drop-off and pickup has been a longstanding concern, often backing up into the Mountain Avenue and Plainfield Avenue intersection," said Berkeley Heights Police Chief Frank Mea.

The backing traffic from school drop-off and pickup operations created intersection congestion affecting surrounding neighborhoods and creating safety hazards at the intersection.

Engineering Analysis and Solution

"After evaluating several options with our traffic professionals and the County, we determined this is the most effective solution to improve traffic flow and safety," Chief Mea said.

Engineering evaluation involved Berkeley Heights traffic professionals and Union County coordination. The county involvement indicates multi-jurisdictional traffic coordination and approval for county-level roads or intersections.

Speed-Limit Reduction Ordinance

The Township will introduce an ordinance at its September 15 meeting to lower the speed limit in front of Mary Kay McMillin school and Governor Livingston High School to 25 mph. The ordinance requires municipal approval and formal adoption before implementation.

Speed-limit reduction to 25 mph near school facilities provides additional safety measure addressing student pedestrian protection during school arrival and departure times.

Ordinance Timeline and Adoption

The September 15 introduction date establishes the formal ordinance proposal timeline. Municipal government procedure typically involves introduction, public notice period, and second reading/adoption vote. The actual speed-limit reduction implementation follows municipal approval.

Board of Education Coordination

The Township continues discussions with the Berkeley Heights Board of Education to identify additional traffic and safety improvements for students and families. Ongoing coordination indicates commitment to comprehensive school safety and willingness to implement additional improvements as needs are identified.

Board of Education partnership ensures that school officials and administrators contribute to safety planning based on operational experience and student needs.

School Year Preparation

The improvements are timed to coincide with the 2026-2027 school year beginning September 1, ensuring safety enhancements are in place before students return and traffic patterns resume.

Community Safety Investment

For Berkeley Heights residents and families, the traffic improvements represent municipal investment in student safety and school-area traffic management. The improvements address documented concerns and provide measurable safety enhancements.

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FAQ

Q: What traffic safety improvements is Berkeley Heights implementing?
A: Speed bumps on Glenside Road, a center turning lane at Mary Kay McMillin, and a proposed speed-limit reduction to 25 mph near schools.

Q: When will the traffic safety improvements be in place?
A: The improvements are timed for the 2026-2027 school year beginning September 1, 2026. The speed-limit ordinance is scheduled for introduction September 15.

Q: Are the speed bumps permanent?
A: No. The rubber speed bumps on Glenside Road are temporary and can be removed during winter months to prevent vehicle traction problems on ice and snow.

Q: Why is a center turning lane being added to Mountain Avenue?
A: The center turning lane allows left-turning vehicles to enter Mary Kay McMillin or residential streets without blocking through traffic, reducing congestion during school drop-off and pickup times.

Q: What is the traffic congestion problem at Mary Kay McMillin?
A: School traffic has been backing up into the Mountain Avenue and Plainfield Avenue intersection during drop-off and pickup times, creating safety concerns.

Q: What schools are affected by the speed-limit reduction?
A: Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Education Center and Governor Livingston High School will have 25 mph speed-limit reductions pending ordinance adoption.

Q: When will the speed-limit reduction ordinance be adopted?
A: The ordinance is scheduled for introduction at the September 15, 2026 Township meeting. Municipal approval must occur before implementation.

Q: Will digital speed-display signs be installed?
A: Digital speed-display signs are planned for Glenside Road, but the Township is still seeking funding for the project.

Q: Is the Board of Education involved in safety planning?
A: Yes. The Township continues discussions with the Board of Education to identify additional traffic and safety improvements.