Ridgewood police start traffic study after child‑involved crash; increased patrols and temporary sign deployed

Ridgewood officials announced immediate steps to improve safety at the Bair and West End Avenue intersection after a crash over the weekend that involved a three‑year‑old child. The village manager briefed council on June 3 and Police Chief Lions described the response.

"We've increased patrols there. I've also assigned a traffic officer to monitor that location," Chief Lions said, adding the department deployed a temporary radar speed sign while a formal traffic study is carried out. The study will collect speed and flow data over multiple days and times; staff said the data will be used to evaluate long‑term improvements such as additional stop signs, radar feedback signs or other traffic calming measures if warranted.

Chief Lions said the preliminary review of available data shows the Bair/West End intersection has had eight reported accidents in five years, three of which involved injuries, and that the department will take a data‑driven approach before recommending permanent changes. The traffic study is expected to take at least two weeks to gather representative data and will be coordinated with engineering staff and the village’s traffic safety committee.

Council members praised the rapid response and emphasized that some changes (for example, new stop signs or speed‑limit adjustments) must comply with state traffic engineering warrants and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The village asked residents with safety concerns to contact police so animal control and traffic staff can respond as needed.

No formal policy decision was made at the workshop; staff said findings and recommended follow‑up options will be presented after the study concludes.