Speed Limit Lowered at Accident Site

GREEN CREEK – An outpouring of public sentiment demanded freeholders lower speed limit on Bayshore Road (CR 603) after two teenage girls were killed July 31 while walking on the side of the highway by an alleged drunk driver.
On Sept. 11, the board, acting on recommendation of its consultant, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. of Toms River, lowered the speed limit of CR 603 to 40 mph from 45 mph between 800 north of South 15th Street and Route 47.
In a second resolution, also on recommendation of that firm, the board modified the no-passing zone along Bayshore Road between Route 47 and 15th Street.
In letters dated Aug. 29 to County Engineer Dale Foster, Ronald Lotrecchio, senior engineer at Stantec, wrote, “As a result of our investigations and completion of our No Passing Zone Analysis for the (highway), I hereby certify that extending the no-passing zone in this area is justified. This conclusion is reached based upon the existence of a series of closely-spaced driveways and our review of the accident reports over the past six years along this section of Bayshore Road which documents hazards to motorists traveling on Bayshore Road as detailed in the aforementioned No Passing Warrant Analysis.”
Of the speed limit reduction Lotrecchio wrote, “As a result of our investigations and our review of the speed survey data conducted by your (Foster’s) office taken on Aug. 6 and 7, 2012 for the above referenced location, I hereby certify that reducing the speed limit from 45 mph to 40 mph is recommended in both directions of Zone 3 (between 800 feet north of South 15th Street and Route NJ 47).
“This conclusion is reached based upon the existence of a series of closely spaced driveways, the nature of the existing roadside development and a review of the current 85th percentile, 10 mph pace speed and crash history as furnished to Stantec for this assignment by your office. At both mile posts 7.7 and 8.0 the speed data reflects that the proposed 40 mph speed just barely falls within the 10 mph pace speed, however we believe this speed limit reduction to be prudent and justified.”
The resolution detailed the new speed limits:
• Zone 1: 45 mph between the Lower Township corporate line, Middle Township corporate line and 150 feet south of Lafayette Avenue.
• Zone 2: 35 mph between 150 feet south of Lafayette Avenue to 800 feet north of South 15th Street.
• Zone 3: 40 mph between 800 feet north of South 15th Street and Route NJ 47.