Resident Wants Green Arrow Installed at James/South

To the Editor:

There is a "no turn on red" restriction at the traffic light on James Street at the corner of South Street between the hours of 9 a.m and 9 p.m. As a result the traffic on James Street is often backed up for one or two blocks, which prevents vehicles from getting into the lefthand lane to make a left turn onto South Street as well as backing up traffic on side streets. Allowing a turn on a green arrow would be a vast improvement to improving the traffic flow. In addition, it would reduce the exhaust pollution from all the vehicles that are waiting to make the turn onto South Street.

I know that the “no turn on red” on James Street was implemented several years ago because of accidents that were occurring; however, I can see no reason why there could not be a green arrow allowing a right hand turn off when the west bound traffic on South Street has a green arrow for a left hand turn onto James Street. At that point the pedestrian light for crossing James Street is still yellow so there should be no conflict. Such a light would have
no impact on the east bound traffic as they have to wait for the green arrow on west bound traffic to change anyway.

Sometime ago I wrote to the state, requesting their consideration of installing a green arrow light. They indicated that in order for them to consider such an option they would need the support of the local authorities. As a result I wrote a letter in June. To date, I have not had a reply.

I have often thought about attempting to get a petition started for the above suggestion. I have talked to many individuals in Morristown and Morris Township who use James Street and support this position.

If you support adding such a light, please contact the following:

Mr. Jeffrey Hartke
Town of Morristown
200 South St., CN 914
Morristown, NJ 07963

George Lonsberry
Morris Township