A little less pedal on the metal might be advised for Route 94, as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has approved a speed limit reduction on the state highway sought by Blairstown.
The new speed limits took effect January 13th, NJDOT said, and enforcement can begin when new signage is in place. No date was given for that.
The portion of Route 94, just south of Main Street, where a 50 mph limit is currently marked, will be lowered to 45 mph. The reduced limit will continue south on Route 94 for two miles to Eldan Place, just south of the Acme supermarket, where the current 50 mph zone will resume to the border of Knowlton.
The revised stretch includes the intersection of Lambert Road, as well numerous businesses such as Dollar General, Tractor Supply and other smaller stores and restaurants. The township municipal complex, which includes the police department and first aid squad is also located along the stretch.
Township officials had been concerned because of the number of left turns these locations necessitate, unlike stretches of Route 94 further west, which run largely along farmland. The speed limit of 35 mph on Route 94 through the Blairstown Village area will remain unchanged.
The Route 94 proposal comes about two years after speed limit reductions and other traffic pattern changes were instituted in the Blairstown Village area. After the township took over jurisdiction of Bridge Street and High Street from the county, the speed limits were lowered to 15 mph from 20 mph.
At the same time, Main Street was changed to a one-way thoroughfare, running from west to east. Additional stop signs were also placed on Bridge Street and High Street.
