July 3,2017
by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood NJ, During this past Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session (06/28), Ridgewood Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser reviewed options the Village’s Engineering Department has considered with respect to preventing closure of the Glenwood Road railroad crossing by the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT).
Options under consideration are: 1) The widening of Glenwood Road from Upper Boulevard to the railroad crossing. Likely not a viable option due to estimated construction costs and the need to obtain cooperation and funding from the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. 2) Construction of a bridge over the railroad crossing. Likely not a viable option due to estimated construction costs and the need to obtain cooperation and funding from the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. 3) Designating Glenwood Road one way eastbound between Upper Boulevard and the railroad crossing and constructing a “kiss and go” drop off area just east of Upper Boulevard (pedestrians then walking down to the Ho-Ho-Kus railroad station). The proposal most likely to be submitted to NJDOT.
Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen asked Rutishauser what steps might be taken to block bus, truck, and heavy construction equipment from using the Glenwood Road railroad crossing, thus avoiding the need for implementing the one way street proposal. Several ideas were discussed, however it was reported that NJ Transit is also concerned over the number of passenger vehicles that execute U-turns and K-turns at the railroad crossing, so Mr. Rutishauser is not confident that NJDOT will accept anything less than a complete street closure, or a conversion to one way eastbound.
Several residents spoke in opposition to any plans that would bring about full roadway closure, or a one way eastbound roadway.
More public discussion will be held at a later date.
