09/11/2026
Important update for Berkeley Heights residents and MKM families. Some smart changes!
PUBLIC STATEMENT
MARY KAY MCMILLIN TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Berkeley Heights Police Department
This week, members of the Berkeley Heights Police Department met with School District officials, Township Administration, and Board of Education members to discuss ongoing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns around Mary Kay McMillin (MKM) Early Childhood Center. The meeting was productive, and we appreciate everyone working together toward solutions.
The Township’s planned Mountain Avenue roadway improvements are scheduled for Monday, September 14, from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These improvements will add a third lane on Mountain Avenue in front of MKM, so traffic not turning left into the MKM parking lot can safely pass cars waiting in line to turn. The Township will also introduce ordinances that do the following:
* Adding a “No Left Turn” sign at the MKM driveway exit, prohibiting drivers from turning left onto Mountain Ave there, at all times.
* Reducing the speed limit in the MKM school zone (Mountain Avenue) from 40 to 25 mph during drop-off and pick-up.
* Add signage in front of MKM indicating the new traffic pattern described above, with additional striping.
Berkeley Heights Police Officers will continue to be present during school drop-off and pick-up through Monday to assist with traffic and pedestrian safety. To improve traffic flow, we encourage drivers waiting to turn right or left into the MKM entrance during drop-off and pick-up to practice alternate-vehicle etiquette so traffic turning left does not back up into the Plainfield Ave and Mountain Ave intersection. This means: one car turning right enters the driveway, then one car turning left enters, and so on. Cars turning right should give way to those turning left to avoid backups.
Once the improvements are completed, we will monitor traffic conditions to determine their effectiveness. An officer will also remain positioned in the school parking lot during dismissal to assist with traffic flow and safety as we evaluate the impact of the changes.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our school families and residents.
