Accident-Prone Summit Intersection Gets 4-Way Stop

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit Common Council took steps to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in two areas of the city at last week's City Hall meeting.

The council unanimously passed an ordinance to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Canoe Brook Road and Hartley Road, which has been prone to car accidents in the past.

An ordinance to create a one-way street northbound at Hobart Road was also unanimously approved by the council.

Councilwoman Beth Little said the creation of the four-way stop, which will halt traffic in both directions north and south, is the result of several accidents happening at this intersection.

The Police Department and Engineering Department conducted a traffic study of the intersection and both deemed that it was appropriate to install a four-way stop to reduce the possibility of motor vehicle accidents and to improve pedestrian safety in this area, Little said.

She added that this intersection is also a school-walking route.

Councilman Greg Vartan spoke in support of the ordinance, as it is part of an extensive effort to expand the three E's — "Education, Enforcement and Engineering."

"This is a challenging intersection and I think this is a great improvement," Council President Marjorie Fox said. "I'm very pleased that we're moving forward with this."

Director of the Department of Community Services Aaron Schrager said the stop signs will officially be put into place on Friday, Sept. 16 after school commute hours.

Resident Henry Bassman said he is pleased to have the new four-way stop, as he lives at the northeast corner of Hartley and Canoe Brook Parkway.

"[The intersection] has become increasingly busy," Bassman said. "People are using Canoe Brook Parkway as a bypass for River Road and Morris Avenue both in the morning and evening rush hours."

Bassman also added that the number of children who live in this neighborhood has "increased dramatically" over the past several years. Ten years ago, Bassman wrote a letter that was co-signed by 40 other residents, asking the Chief of Police to slow down traffic on Canoe Brook Parkway.

Little said the reason for creating a one-way road on Hobart is because it is a narrow road and it's difficult for two cars to pass. She said no residents on Hobart rejected to the new ordinance.

Councilman Danny O'Sullivan expressed his support for the ordinance, saying the road is extremely dangerous and windy with blindspots. He said making the road one-way will keep everyone safe.

You can watch the full council meeting on YouTube below:

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