North Wildwood Lowers Speed Limit on Route 147 for Safety

NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ — The speed limit on Route 147 leading into North Wildwood has been reduced from 50 mph to 25 mph, which is now effective. The decision, finalized by the City Council on April 1, follows a recommendation from the state Department of Transportation (DOT). The speed reduction applies to the section of Route 147 from the Middle Township line through New York Avenue. Previously, the speed limit along the roadway was 50 mph from the Garden State Parkway to Beach Creek, where it then dropped to 40 mph. The speed limit further decreases to 30 mph when the road becomes Spruce Avenue in North Wildwood. In preparation for the change, the DOT proposed an interim 40 mph zone last year, starting at Ocean Drive/CR 619 to the North Wildwood-Middle Township line. However, the section between South Carolina Avenue and Ocean Drive in Middle Township will maintain its 50 mph speed limit. The adjustment to 25 mph aims to align the speed limit with local zoning and improve safety, particularly in a popular tourist area with high vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The change follows citizen requests and input from North Wildwood officials. The DOT conducted a review based on factors like residential and commercial density, lack of deceleration lanes, and the seasonal increase in traffic. Updated speed limit signs are expected to be installed by late spring or early summer.