Temporary speed bumps on streets may be kept BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer HOLMDEL - Township Clerk Maureen Doloughty submitted an extensive report Thursday giving updates on various engineering projects throughout the township. In 2005, the Township Committee authorized a pilot program, allowing the installation of temporary speed bumps at Old Manor Estates and Meadowood developments. After six months, a survey was sent to over 400 residents in these developments, asking residents how they felt about the new bumps. With approximately half the participants responding, it was reported that roughly 51 percent were against keeping the bumps while 49 percent were in favor of making them permanent. Township Engineer E.G. Broberg gave a presentation recommending that the bumps now become permanent fixtures in the communities. They may be ugly and annoying, Broberg said, but they improved the safety of the neighborhoods. According to Broberg, the speed bumps he recommends can be easily driven over at 25 miles per hour. Similar speed bumps are in place in Edison and Long Branch communities, he said. Broberg suggested that the committee visit these areas before making a final decision. One member of the public spoke against making the bumps permanent, saying the bumps would be inconvenient for residents, ineffectual at actually slowing down traffic and annoying for those living directly in front of the bumps. The committee members agreed to visit the communities in Edison or Long Branch before voting on the matter. Also according to the engineering report: • Police are recommending that the speed limit on Line Road be lowered to 30 mph. Currently, the speed limit on Line Road between Van Brackle and Holmdel roads is 40 mph. Between Bethany and Van Brackle roads the speed limit is 35 mph. Police Sgt. Kenneth McGowan proposed the idea in a report, noting the speed limit on Line Road was established in 1976. Since then, the traffic volume has increased, with many using Line Road as a commuter link to major highways. Along with the volume there has been an increase in accidents, according to the police, who recommended the entire road be established at 30 mph. No formal action was taken regarding this item. • New wells are currently being installed at Cross Farm Park. Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler is installing the new wells and will soon begin irrigation work around the new building at Cross Farm Park. The contractor, who submitted a bid of $7,251 for the initial well work, will charge an additional $7,251 for the next round of irrigation work.