Middletown Considering Installing Sidewalks Along Kings Highway

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — As 2022 came to a close, Middletown received a $997,000 grant from the NJ Dept. of Transportation's Safe-Streets-to-Transit program.

These are grants given out from the federal government and Gov. Phil Murphy's administration to encourage New Jersey towns to expand access to public transportation.

In Middletown, the money will be used to make it easier for pedestrians to walk to the Middletown train station. Specifically, Middletown is considering installing half a mile of new sidewalks along Kings Highway between Penelope Lane and New Monmouth Road, along with potentially other locations. Sidewalks do not currently exist in that location.

All of this will allow for a safer and more complete sidewalk network for pedestrians accessing the Middletown train station, as well as the other features of the historic district. Initial Patch report on this funding: Middletown Plans New Sidewalks, Special Lighting Along Kings Highway (July 2022)

From Township Administrator Tony Mercantante and Township Engineer Ted Maloney, here is some information about what the Township calls the "Kings Highway Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project:"

The primary purpose of the grant is to study and enhance pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the Middletown train station and surrounding streets. This area contains a compact combination of land uses in addition to the train station and its associated parking facilities. These include three places of worship, some small businesses, a public elementary school and Town Hall.

Improvements Middletown is considering adding to this area include new sidewalks, new crosswalks, traffic calming, alternate pedestrian options, intersection improvement and traffic signal optimization.

However, what is critically important is that the area is located in the heart of the oldest historic district in Middletown and one of the oldest in New Jersey. All changes will have to balance the very real issues of public safety and historic preservation, according to Mercantante and Maloney.

The potential scope of work could include:

• Excavation and remediation of deteriorated sidewalks
• Creation of new sidewalks
• Installation of ADA-ramps and detectable warning surfaces
• Installation of a modular concrete retaining wall
• Installation of split-rail and/or chain-link fencing where necessary
• Use of materials that will not detract from the historic character of the area