WOODCLIFF LAKE/MONTVALE – The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has reaffirmed that the decades-old right-turn restriction at Parkway Exit 171 will remain in place without unanimous consent from Woodcliff Lake, Bergen County, and the Authority itself. In a Dec. 5 letter to the mayors of Montvale and Woodcliff Lake, the Authority reiterated that it is bound by a 1984 settlement agreement that prohibits right-hand turns from the exit onto Glen Road unless all parties agree.
Thomas F. Holl, Director of Law for the Turnpike Authority, wrote, “No right-hand turn from the subject northbound exit ramp onto Glen Road shall be permitted without the written and unanimous consent of Woodcliff Lake, the Authority, and the County of Bergen.” He added, “While the Authority appreciates and hears the concerns raised in [Montvale] Mayor Ghassali’s letter, the Authority is unable to consider the request as a result of Woodcliff Lake’s position.”
The restriction, originally designed to protect Glen Road’s narrow, winding residential route, has faced sharp criticism from Montvale officials and commuters, who argue it exacerbates congestion on alternative routes like Washington Avenue. Meanwhile, Woodcliff Lake officials, led by Mayor Carlos Rendo, have stood firm in their opposition, citing safety and quality-of-life concerns.
“We will not allow another municipality to dictate what we do in Woodcliff Lake!” Rendo said earlier, emphasizing the importance of preserving the settlement agreement. After receiving the Turnpike Authority’s letter, Rendo thanked his Borough Council, neighboring Park Ridge officials, and residents for their unanimous support. “This decision protects the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods and guards against excessive traffic on our roads,” he added.
Ghassali has advocated for lifting the restriction, noting the outdated nature of the agreement and its impact on regional traffic. His petition to allow right-hand turns has garnered approximately 2,000 signatures. “This isn’t just about Montvale; it’s about addressing the region’s growing traffic and infrastructure needs,” Ghassali said.
However, neighboring officials, including Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, have sided with Woodcliff Lake, arguing that allowing right-hand turns would worsen congestion and pose safety risks.
A History of Disputes
The restriction at Exit 171 stems from a 1984 Stipulation of Settlement and Consent Order that resolved a legal dispute over the construction of the exit. The agreement prohibits right-hand turns unless Woodcliff Lake, Bergen County, and the Turnpike Authority all approve the change.
In 2015, Montvale made a similar request, but the Turnpike Authority rejected it, citing no “negative impacts to the operation of the Parkway in this area” and calling the matter a “local issue.” Woodcliff Lake resubmitted the 2015 correspondence as part of its current defense.
Rendo has also suggested the Turnpike Authority conduct a regional traffic study to explore adding new Parkway entrances and exits, such as one on Summit Avenue in Montvale.
The Turnpike Authority’s Dec. 5 letter has reignited debate among residents, commenting on Rendo’s post:
- Yale Glazer wrote, “They didn’t rule at all—they said they were powerless to act without the consent of WCL. So barring a lawsuit by Montvale, this matter is moot.”
- Anthony Sgroi criticized the restriction, stating, “This rule is stupid. It only makes traffic take the Washington Avenue exit, causing more congestion there.”
Township of Washington Residents Raise Safety Concerns Amid Exit 171 Debate
As the controversy over Parkway Exit 171 continues, residents from neighboring Township of Washington are voicing frustrations about worsening traffic and safety hazards in their area. Former councilman Joe Durso suggested on Rendo’s thread that if redevelopment of Exit 171 is off the table, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTPA) should explore creating new Parkway exits near Saddle River Road, citing growing overdevelopment and increased population across the region. Durso argued that the idea, discussed over a decade ago, should be revisited as an alternative solution to alleviate congestion.
Chris Becker raised alarms about dangerous conditions at Washington Avenue and Van Emburgh Avenue, stating, “There is at least one accident a day. What are we waiting for—someone to get killed? All because of a 40-year-old outdated agreement?”
However, other residents, including Kelli Lea, pointed out that the issues at Washington Avenue and Van Emburgh are separate from Exit 171 concerns. Lea noted additional safety risks at Exit 165, describing hazardous left-hand turns and the lack of effective solutions despite prior studies by transportation officials.