2 Busy Bloomfield Intersections Get Traffic Safety Upgrades: Here's Where

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Two busy intersections in Bloomfield were recently updated with new traffic signals.

The intersections – Franklin Street and Berkeley Avenue, and Franklin Street and Watsessing Avenue – each received new signals, poles, signage and roadway striping.

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Essex County officials released more details about the traffic upgrades:

“Improvements implemented at both intersections included the removal of all old equipment and the installation of new traffic signal equipment with LED lights and black powder-coated poles. GPS clocks were installed to ensure traffic signal coordination between the intersections is maintained and 360-degree vehicle detection cameras were installed for efficient and optimized traffic flow. Also included were pedestrian countdown timers, ADA-compliant push buttons for crossing, new signage and roadway striping to meet high-visibility crosswalk standards. The intersections were repaved and sidewalks and curbs that were disturbed during construction were repaired.”

County officials released the following financial information about each project:

Franklin/Berkeley – Bright View Engineering from Livingston was awarded a professional services contract for $34,990 to design the improvements at the Franklin Street/Berkeley Avenue intersection. JC Contracting from Rahway was awarded a publicly bid contract of $465,416 to perform the construction work at the Franklin Street/Berkeley Avenue intersection. The project was funded with a grant from New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Annual Transportation Program.

Franklin/Watsessing – Stonefield Engineering from Rutherford was awarded a professional services contract for $34,990 to design the improvements at the Franklin Street/Watsessing Avenue intersection. Foggia Trinity Electric from Scotch Plains was awarded a publicly bid contract of $643,885 to perform the construction work at the Franklin Street/Watsessing Avenue intersection. The project was funded with a grant from New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Annual Transportation Program.

The Essex County Department of Public Works performed construction inspection and project management at both intersections.

“Franklin Street is a busy thoroughfare that cuts through residential neighborhoods and small business districts,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Upgrading the traffic signals was important to enhance the safety of pedestrians and motorists while ensuring the flow of traffic is maintained,” DiVincenzo said.

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said the upgrades may seem simple at first, but they will make a meaningful difference in how people move safely through the community every day.

“This is a practical investment that will enhance safety and improve the overall experience for everyone who uses these intersections,” Mundell said.

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