WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, HEREBY PETITION the Hunterdon County Board of Supervisors to reduce the 45mph speed limit signage along CR 607 to 40 mph. The scenic route is well known and widely traveled. As residents, we have become increasingly concerned with the speed at which personal vehicles and heavy commercial trucks travel this route. In Hopewell, the speed limit posted is 40 mph. However, the limit increases to 45 mph at the Hunterdon County line (Hunterdon County Sourland Mountain Preserve entrance at 233 Rileyville Rd) and continues at 45 mph to its end at the intersection of Wertzville Road. The increased posted speed signage at the crest of the mountain creates a very unsafe environment for drivers who accelerate well over the speed limit and are unable to react to road conditions.

This active school bus route is heavily traveled by cars and trucks, as well as cyclists, runners, walkers, motorcycles, with most activity occurring at the peak of the mountain where visibility is most limited. Drivers along this route who to attempt to share the road, as outlined in the N.J. Safe Passing Law (in effect March 2022), are often put in danger along with the pedestrian traffic. Unsafe high-speed driving, combined with the lack of visibility due to terrain, create an unsafe environment for all travelers.

To protect all travelers of CR 607/ Rileyville Road, we petition to reduce the posted speed limit to a maximum of 40 mph with digital speed display signage with warnings to alert vehicles of increased speeds. A further reduced posted limit of 35 mph is strongly suggested from the HCSM Preserve entrance to the intersection with Ridge Road, where visibility is most limited.

Additionally, we strongly encourage the County to further restrict 5-axle vehicle traffic for the same visibility and safety concerns mentioned above, as well as the extreme weather-related hazards experienced on the mountain that cause slowed reaction times and extended stopping distances required by larger commercial traffic.