Bernards Township Explores Ways To Improve Safety On Allen Road Following Fatality

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Township is currently exploring multiple ways of improving safety on Allen Road after a woman was fatally hit by a car on Halloween.

Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy provided an update on the initiative at the Township's Reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

"Allen Road is among the most enforced for traffic safety in the township. Nonetheless, Committeman Andrew McNally and I serve on the police subcommittee and are in communication with residents, county, and staff alike regarding this priority," said McCarthy.

Somerset County and Bernards Township are moving forward with several engineering studies, and McCarthy anticipates an outcome within the next few months to guide the next steps.

In addition, McCarthy said the township is exploring opportunities such as partnering with RideWise, Inc. to provide education for its community.

"Donna Allison, who leads Ridewise for Somerset County, shared that they are an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for transportation choices that are efficient, safe, and sustainable. And offer education and programming that focuses on pedestrian safety, public transit, biking, and ride sharing," said McCarthy.

Ridewise is grant-funded, and the services they provide are free to municipalities.

This safety initiative was prompted after Oct. 31, when Bhuvana Mani, 42, of Basking Ridge, was using a marked crosswalk and crossing Allen Road was hit by a Toyota, according to authorities.

Mani died about two weeks after being hospitalized in critical condition.

Previous reporting:

• Basking Ridge Woman Walking In Crosswalk Hit By Car, Hospitalized In Critical Condition
• Safety, Traffic Issues On Allen Road Prompt Petition After Basking Ridge Woman Hit By Car
• Allen Road Safety Issues To Be Reviewed By Somerset County After Woman Hit By Car
• Basking Ridge Woman Dies After Hit By Car On Allen Road On Halloween

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