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Sayreville commissioners approve engineering study to pursue lowering Main Street speed limit
Summary
The agency authorized an engineering report to seek a county‑approved reduction of the Main Street speed limit (Washington to McArthur) after a police speed survey found 80th‑percentile speeds above 30 mph; roll‑call vote was unanimous in favor.
Sayreville commissioners voted to authorize an engineering study to support a request to Middlesex County to lower the posted speed limit on Main Street between Washington Avenue and McArthur Avenue from 30 mph toward 25 mph.
Justin (staff) told the agency that a week‑long police speed survey found the 80th‑percentile free‑flow speeds were higher than the posted limit: "The 80 fifth percentile, which is the free flowing speed, was higher than 30 miles per hour. It was 31 and 36 miles per hour, respectively," he said, explaining that county rules require a formal engineering report to justify a reduced limit.
The agency had first contacted the county informally and learned the roadway historically had been changed from 25 to 30 mph; the county now requires a formal engineering report that reviews comparable 25 mph segments and engineering countermeasures. Justin described the study scope as including a traffic engineering report and possible sign or geometric changes to reduce speeds.
During discussion, commissioners emphasized the safety rationale: schools and the municipal building are along the corridor, and even a 5‑mph reduction can alter safety outcomes. The commissioners moved and seconded a motion to proceed with hiring an engineer to prepare the county‑required report. The roll call that followed recorded unanimous support: Mr. Davis, Mr. DeWise, Miss Fisher, Mr. Grillo, Mr. Parikh, Councilwoman Roberts, Mr. Scott and Chairman Zabrowski all voted yes. The motion was approved.
Next steps: the study will produce the formal engineering justification to present to Middlesex County. If the county accepts the report, the agency will request a speed limit change for the segment identified (Main Street, Washington to McArthur).
