New Traffic Signals Installed At 2 Busy Belleville Intersections

BELLEVILLE, NJ — New traffic signal equipment was recently installed at two intersections along Franklin Avenue in Belleville.

Last week, Essex County officials announced that work was complete at the busy intersections: Franklin Avenue and Joralemon Street, and Franklin Avenue and Mill Street/Park Drive.

According to a statement from the county, the equipment includes LED traffic signals, modern poles, high-visibility crosswalks and roadway striping, and pedestrian countdown timers that can be activated by pushing the crossing button. Sidewalks and curbs around the intersections were replaced and the intersections were repaved. The signals also are outfitted with GPS clocks to ensure they remain coordinated with other traffic signals along Park Avenue.

The improvements are part of a $6 million project to upgrade nine intersections throughout Essex County. Also announced last week were similar improvements at two intersections in Irvington: Springfield Avenue and North Maple Avenue, and Springfield Avenue and Avon Avenue.

According to county officials:

“NV5 from Parsippany received a professional services contract for $179,808 to design the upgrades at all locations. Assuncao Brothers, Inc. from Edison was awarded a publicly bid contract for $4,825,659 to perform the construction work. Dewberry Engineers from Bloomfield was awarded a $998,349 contract to provide construction engineering services. The design, construction and construction inspection for each intersection cost about $666,000. Essex County received a grant from the Federal Local Safety Program (LSP) to fund the project. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project to answer question and avoid delays from occurring.”

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham and Deputy Mayor Naomy De Peña praised the improvements, with Melham also lauding the recent addition of a First Tee program in the township.

• See related article: County Opens Its 2nd 'First Tee' Location At Golf Course In Belleville

“Traveling along county roads and through these intersections are part of our daily lives,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“The improvements will enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists at these heavily trafficked intersections,” he added.

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