Wisniewski, Greenstein, DeAngelo, Evans Bill to Give Towns Control Over Local Traffic Decisions Advances

WISNIEWSKI/GREENSTEIN/DEANGELO/EVANS BILL TO GIVE TOWNS CONTROL OVER LOCAL TRAFFIC DECISIONS ADVANCES

Measure Would Allow Towns to Move Forward without State DOT Approval

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Assembly members John S. Wisniewski, Linda R. Greenstein, Wayne P. DeAngelo and Elease Evans that would allow municipalities to control local traffic patterns by installing new traffic signage without prior approval from the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

"Local officials should have the ability to make traffic management decisions on local roadways," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.  "Delaying the local implementation of needed traffic changes because of an outdated DOT approval system only serves to exacerbate the congestion and safety concerns that prompted the changes in the first place."

The sponsors said they were alerted to the need for the legislation after learning several municipalities in the state - including Hamilton Township, Mercer County, which is represented by both Greenstein and DeAngelo - have illegally posted stop and speed limit signs without DOT approval.  This has led to local law enforcement officials questioning the validity and enforceability of the signage.

"We must empower local governments to make decisions where safety and quality of life are concerned," said Greenstein (D-Middlesex).  "Who better than the officials who travel local roads day-in and day-out to determine if and when local traffic improvements are needed?"

Currently, all local ordinances regarding traffic management on local roads must be approved by the DOT.  Due to the increasing number of backlogged cases currently pending before DOT's Traffic Engineering section, however, winning DOT approval can sometimes take months.

Under the Wisniewski/Greenstein/DeAngelo/Evans bill (A-2731), municipalities would be permitted to make traffic engineering decisions based upon the expertise of their municipal or county engineer, without prior DOT approval.

Local governments seeking to make traffic changes that could place an undue burden or impact on roadways in an adjoining municipality or county would be required to consult with and obtain clearance from any affected government before implementing the changes.  Any county or municipality also would be permitted to request a non-binding review and recommendation from the DOT on any proposed traffic change prior to its implementation.

Any change that would restrict commercial vehicle traffic would require approval from the Commissioner of Transportation.  And traffic changes that would affect state roadways would still require approval from the DOT.

According to the sponsors, traffic management across the state would continue to be consistent, as local governments would still be required to follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a federal document that defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets and highways.

"There is no reason for DOT to continue to be involved in every traffic management decision in the state," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer).  "Giving local officials the autonomy to make decisions about their own roads without first consulting Trenton would go a long way towards reducing congestion and improving quality of life for residents."

"Removing the DOT middleman will give municipalities the flexibility they need to deal with ever evolving traffic patterns," said Evans (D-Passaic).  And it will do so in a way that will speed the implementation of the changes without adversely affecting the quality of our transportation network."

The Assembly passed the measure by a vote of 77-1-1.  It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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