A recently installed concrete traffic island at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Shemen Street in Lakewood is set to be removed after raising safety concerns and confusion among drivers.
The island, which appeared in the middle of the roadway on the county-maintained Ridge Avenue, forced motorists to veer into the shoulder to avoid driving over it. Drivers navigating the already curving roadway were required to shift out of their lane—creating a hazardous condition, particularly with the possibility of pedestrians standing on the island.
Beyond its impact on traffic flow, the purpose of the installation was unclear. While it could theoretically serve as a pedestrian refuge, there is little to no sidewalk or pedestrian infrastructure on the opposite side of the road, leaving people wondering what the point was.
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles told Lakewood Alerts said he contacted county officials to address the issue. According to the mayor, the county did not provide a clear explanation for why the island had been installed. Following those discussions, the county agreed to remove the structure, with work expected to take place over the weekend.
The situation marks the latest development at an intersection that has seen multiple traffic-related changes in recent months. Previously, Lakewood Township installed a four-way stop at the same location without county approval. That measure was later reversed.
As a result, both local and county resources have been spent on a series of engineering adjustments at the intersection—none of which appear to have resulted in anything helpful for local residents.
Our tax dollars NOT at work!
We shouldn’t be paying for such stupidity. Our tax dollars belong being spent wisely. As it is, when we request changes it takes months or even years to get approved, after all required studies are prepared and the plans make sense. What happened here is ridiculous. Again. I hope the costs will be deducted from whichever tax paid employee approved such irresponsible spending!!