🚸 Brick Council Moves to Lower Lanes Mill Road Speed Limit Following Teen’s Death

BRICK, NJ — With the 2026-27 school year approaching, safety concerns continue to grow along Lanes Mill Road, where 15-year-old Jackson Mueller was struck and killed while riding his bicycle to school in May.

The Brick Township Council introduced an ordinance Tuesday night that would lower the speed limit on Lanes Mill Road from 40 mph to 35 mph.

The proposed change comes approximately three months after Mueller was struck while crossing Lanes Mill Road at Rhode Island Avenue around 6:50 a.m. on May 19.

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Mueller was in a crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver, who was 17 at the time of the crash, allegedly left the scene. The driver was subsequently charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, with the case remaining in juvenile court.

🚦 Residents Say More Changes Are Needed

While residents welcomed the proposed reduction, several told township officials that lowering the speed limit alone will not resolve the longstanding safety problems along Lanes Mill Road.

Residents cited concerns including:

🚸 Non-functioning school-zone lights 🚌 Drivers allegedly passing stopped school buses 🚗 Excessive speeding 🚶‍♂️ Limited sidewalks 👮 A shortage of crossing guards ⚠️ Concerns at several student crossing locations

Cindy Patterson, who has lived along Lanes Mill Road for more than four decades, told officials that school-zone warning lights remain out of service and that she regularly sees drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.

Residents also called for additional crossing guards, including near the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Herbertsville Road, as well as improvements that would provide students with safer pedestrian routes.

Some residents have advocated for a 25 mph speed limit along the entire roadway, while others stressed that enforcement will be critical regardless of the posted speed.

🚓 Increased Enforcement Planned

Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilman Gregory Cohen said township officials have been discussing increased traffic enforcement with Acting Police Chief Henry Drew.

Officials said additional patrols are expected around Lanes Mill Road and the township’s other school areas when students return.

The township is also working to replace outdated school-zone signs. Mayor Crate said replacement signs have been ordered, but installation will require assistance from the Ocean County Road Department because Lanes Mill Road is a county roadway.

Plans for additional pedestrian infrastructure are also being explored, including a potential walking path near the baseball fields across from Brick Memorial High School.

📅 When Would the New Speed Limit Take Effect?

The proposed 35 mph speed limit still requires a final vote by the Township Council, currently scheduled for September 8.

If approved and officially published, Ocean County would then install the new speed-limit signage.

Officials noted that speed humps and speed tables are not currently being considered because Lanes Mill Road serves as a direct route for ambulances traveling to Ocean University Medical Center.

As the school year approaches, residents continue to press for additional measures to make the roadway safer for students, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

🚸 With students returning to school soon, officials and residents are urging drivers to slow down, remain alert and watch carefully for children and other vulnerable road users.

📲 Follow Garden State News Network for continuing coverage of local traffic and public safety issues across Ocean and Monmouth counties.