Work Progressing On One Of Hoboken's 'Most Dangerous Roads'

Hoboken, NJ – The Observer Highway is beginning to look different.

On Sunday, Hoboken city administrators announced that the contractor hired by Hudson County for the Observer Highway repaving project has finished paving from Hudson Street to west of Henderson Street.

Striping - including crosswalks, parking lanes, and dedicated turning lanes - is expected to be completed by the end of next week, city officials stated on Sunday.

City administrators had announced plans for the $2.7 million facelift in April, citing safety concerns as a major reason behind the project.

Planned construction for the roadway – one of the busiest in Hoboken – includes synchronized traffic signals, dedicated left turn lanes, redesigned crosswalk signals, pedestrian safety improvements and a two-way, protected bike lane, as well as the complete milling and paving of the Observer Highway from Hudson Street to the firehouse just west of the Henderson Street intersection.

• See related article: Observer Highway To Get A $2.7 Million Facelift

City administrators released the following reminder about the impetus behind the project on Sunday:

“Between 2010 and 2012, there were an average of 37 crashes per year along Observer Highway, making it one of the most dangerous roads in Hoboken. The project is designed to reduce the high crash rate, improve traffic conditions, and improve pedestrian safety.”

On Sunday, city officials provided several updates on the project’s progress.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

“The new signals are a key component of optimizing traffic conditions,” city administrators stated.

“New traffic signals have been installed at Bloomfield Street and Park Avenue, and outdated signals at Henderson Street, Willow Avenue, and Washington Street were replaced with modern signals. Wiring and activation of the new signals is underway and is expected to be completed in the next four weeks. Until the new signals are activated, the existing traffic signal at Observer Highway and Henderson Street/Marin Boulevard will be adjusted to allow for more efficient traffic flow.”

VEZZETTI WAY

“The priority for the project was to complete paving of Observer Highway prior to the cold weather when paving is no longer possible,” city officials stated.

“To date, Vezzetti Way has been partially paved and a 25 foot portion of Bloomfield Street also remains unpaved. The contractor is required to complete the project by April 2016. Striping of the pedestrian/bicycle path will take place once paving of Vezzetti Way is complete.”

PARKING

“Parking is currently permitted on the north side of Observer Highway for those with a valid Resident Parking Permit,” city officials stated.

“Parking will be permitted on the south side of Observer Highway for those with a Resident Parking Permit once striping is completed in the days ahead. Those without permits or with other types of permits (business, visitor, etc.) may not park along the Observer Highway.”

Photo via the City of Hoboken

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