$6.7 Million In Upgrades Coming For 12 Montclair Intersections – Patch
MONTCLAIR, NJ — A $6.69 million facelift is in the works for a dozen busy intersections on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, Essex County officials announced Monday.
Here’s where the work will take place:
- Bloomfield Avenue and North/South Mountain Avenues
- Bloomfield Avenue and Orange Road/Bell Street
- Bloomfield Avenue and Valley Road
- Bloomfield Avenue and Midland Avenue (see below)
- Bloomfield Avenue and Park Street
- Bloomfield Avenue and North/South Fullerton Avenue/Church Street/Glenridge
- AvenueBloomfield Avenue and Seymour Street (see below)
- Bloomfield Avenue and North/South Willow Street
- Bloomfield Avenue and Gates Avenue/Lackawanna PlazaBloomfield Avenue and Elm
- Street/Grove Street
- Bloomfield Avenue and Hartley Street
- Bloomfield Avenue and Maple Avenue/Pine Street
According to officials, 10 of the intersections will receive new poles and overhead lights equipped with LED bulbs, which are brighter and more energy-efficient. The upgrades also include pedestrian crosswalk signals, new roadway striping and signage.
County officials stated:
“The new signals will be equipped with back-up power so the lights will continue to function in case there is a power failure or blackout. Sidewalks and curbing at the intersections will be repaired or replaced where necessary. New traffic signals where ones did not exist before will be installed at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Midland Avenue. Pedestrian crosswalk signals will be installed at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Seymour Street.”
According to officials, KS Engineers, PC from Newark received a $1,318,964 professional services contract to design the intersection upgrades and provide inspection services during construction. Trench Technologies from Millburn was awarded a publicly bid contract for $6,699,829 to perform the construction work.
The Essex County Department of Public Works will monitor the project. The improvements are funded through a grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, and are scheduled to be completed by May 2022.
“This is a perfect example of Montclair working with Essex County to focus on how we can improve conditions for pedestrians and how vehicles can move along Bloomfield Avenue safely,” said Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, who was joined by town council members Robert Russo and Lori Price Abrams at a news conference announcing the work on Monday.
“These are important upgrades for our community,” Spiller said.
Other support for the project came from:
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “Making sure our infrastructure is modern and up to date helps keep our downtown areas, like Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, safe for pedestrians and motorists and vibrant for our residents and businesses.”
Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson – “On behalf of the board, I look forward to the upgrading of the Bloomfield Avenue corridor. This is a worthwhile expenditure which will bring aesthetic and safety improvements for our residents.”
Essex County Commissioner Vice President Carlos Pomares – “Bloomfield Avenue is one of the most traveled and important thoroughfares in all of Essex County. Our board was happy to work with the Montclair Township Council and other township officials to significantly enhance safety measures for pedestrians and improve traffic flow at the some of the unique intersections in the heart of Montclair’s commercial district.”
Essex County Commissioner At-Large Brendan Gill – “Safety for pedestrians and drivers should never be taken for granted. As elected officials, we must continue to evaluate our roads and ensure safe conditions for our citizens are prioritized. The improvements along the Bloomfield Avenue corridor will add to the aesthetic beauty of downtown Montclair, while making our roads and intersections safer for everyone.”
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