UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County will receive $1.1 million in federal funding to upgrade technology and improve pedestrian safety at three intersections on East Front Street, aka County Road 620, in Plainfield.
The project is among 17 throughout the region that the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Board of Trustees approved at its meeting Monday, Jan. 11. The intersection improvements are part of the NJTPA’s Local Safety Program, which provides federal funds to counties for high-impact, “quick-fix” and cost-effective safety improvements.
“East Front Street is a bustling business district that draws motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” said Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada, who represents the county on the NJTPA Board.
“This grant,” he continued, “will help modernize these crossings and improve pedestrian and motorist safety at three intersections where pedestrian safety has been a serious issue.”
Traffic signal upgrades, audible pedestrian countdown signals and highly visible crosswalks will be installed on Front Street at three cross streets: Watchung Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue and Richmond Street/Norwood Avenue.
Left turn lanes will also be installed where feasible.
The NJTPA Board approved $32.4 million in Local Safety Program and High Risk Rural Roads grants for projects that will proceed in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
More information on the program is available online at njtpa.org/LocalSafety.
Union County is responsible for 176 miles of key arteries and 371 bridges and culverts within the 21 municipalities. Under the
“Move. Connect. Grow.” initiative of Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, the county is continuing to step up and expand its transportation mission through:
• continuation of the Infrastructure Grants Program, which provides Union County grants to municipalities for local projects, with a focus on road repaving;
• completion of the Union County Transportation Master Plan;
• creation of new bike paths; and
• continued advocacy for regional transportation improvements, including expansion of “one-seat” rail service to New York City on the Raritan Valley Line, and for the construction of the new Gateway Tunnel rail project.