Middletown Begins River Plaza Sidewalk Widening Project

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown is pushing ahead on its plan to widen the sidewalks that lead to River Plaza Elementary School.

In 2019, as Patch reported, Middletown received $1 million from the state to widen the sidewalk along Hubbard Avenue from West Front Street to Navesink River Road, among other pedestrian improvements.

This is the primary route many River Plaza families use to walk to school. River Plaza Elementary School has a student population of 260 and about two thirds of these families live within two miles of the school campus, so many River Plaza kids walk to school.

"Safely walking and biking to school is ingrained in the culture of River Plaza,” said River Plaza Principal David Whitman. “Our PFA and parent community has done an incredible job promoting to our students the physical and environmental health benefits of walking and biking to campus each day. Earning this grant is a credit to the dedication of our River Plaza community, and its completion will ensure the preservation of our culture."

Last week, Middletown announced the beginning phase of engineering has begun. Some of the changes that will be coming include a new barrier fence that will be installed between the sidewalk and Hubbard Avenue, to better protect pedestrians.

Consultants hired by the Township will be performing field surveys and inspections along Hubbard Avenue.

Once the preliminary layout of the sidewalk improvements is complete, Middletown will host a public information session as it progresses through the design and permitting process.

For questions or concerns regarding the work being done, please contact Ryan Birkenstock or Dave Kuhn, who works at GPI, the engineering firm hired by the Twp., at 908-2360-09001.

"The Township and School District applied for this grant together, and it's rewarding to see this important project getting off the ground," said Mayor Tony Perry. "These much-needed improvements will help keep our walkers and bikers safe, which is a huge priority.”

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