Pacific Avenue Safety Improvements
As part of the completion of water main replacement along Pacific Avenue by the JC MUA, the Department of Infrastructure implemented a new configuration of Pacific Avenue between Ash Street and Communipaw Avenue in Fall 2023. This configuration extended the two-way bikeway that was previously installed in 2020 from its terminus at Ash Street to Communipaw Avenue with no impact to on-street parking or travel lanes.
In 2023, the City was awarded a Local Freight Impact Fund (LFIF) grant from the NJ Department of Transportation to construct along Pacific Avenue between Caven Point Avenue and the light rail crossing south of Bramhall Avenue. The grant application was approved by City Council resolution #23-026 on January 11, 2023. The project will incorporate new sidewalk segments to better accommodate pedestrians, curbing to improve separation between roadway and sidewalks, crosswalks at all intersections, drainage improvements, and resurfacing the street complete with the installation of a two-way bikeway on the south side of Pacific Avenue between the light rail tracks (south of Bramhall Avenue) and Caven Point Avenue. Design for the project is anticipated to begin in 2025 with construction starting in 2026.
The Department is proposing improvements to the intersection of Bramhall Avenue with Pacific Avenue in an effort to calm vehicular speeds, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve overall traffic safety. The Department has evaluated options for traffic calming at this location in accordance with the City’s
Traffic Calming Toolkit. A design has been proposed to install a pedestrian median refuge island and curb extensions to serve as a gateway treatment from the southern industrial corridor to the residential area of Pacific Avenue. The same application has been utilized along Monticello Avenue with observed reductions in vehicular speed of 11% along the corridor.