WESTWOOD—Responding to concerns from residents about safety, Westwood officials have worked with Bergen County to lower the speed limit on Kinderkamack Road from 35 MPH to 30 MPH. The change, aimed at reducing accidents and improving pedestrian and driver safety, reflects a collaborative effort to address ongoing traffic concerns.
Initially, the borough had asked Bergen County to lower the speed limit to 25 MPH on Kinderkamack Road between Old Hook Road and Irvington Street. However, after a May 2022 speed survey conducted by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the county recommended a more moderate adjustment, reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH along the entire stretch from Lozier Road in Emerson through Westwood and up to the Hillsdale corporate line.
Along with the speed reduction, “Signal Ahead” warning signs will also be installed near Old Hook Road.
Kinderkamack Road serves as a central artery through Westwood, a town often referred to as the “Hub of the Pascack Valley.” It is a key route for commuters, shoppers, and visitors alike.
The resolution approving these changes, passed by the Mayor and Council on Dec. 3, 2024, means the ball is now in the county’s court to update the signage. Until then, drivers should be prepared for the new limit to go into effect once the signs are installed.
Mayor Ray Arroyo shared the news on social media, saying, “We are hopeful this will decrease the risk of accidents for both pedestrians and drivers.” Residents have been overwhelmingly positive in their responses, with one Facebook user calling it “great news.”
Former councilman Christopher Michael Montana, known for spearheading pedestrian safety initiatives during his time on the dais, also praised the effort while encouraging officials to go further. “If the county executives can restrict truck traffic on the very narrow and pedestrian-heavy Westwood Avenue, that would help create a safety corridor that benefits residents and the thousands of shoppers and diners coming into the borough,” Montana commented.
Among the other voices celebrating the change is Roberta Hanlon, a longtime crossing guard and former Westwood school board trustee. Hanlon, who has been a fixture of the Westwood community for decades, simply said, “Great.”
“Westwood will always prioritize safety,” Arroyo said. “We’re committed to acting on residents’ concerns and making our community safer for everyone.”