‘Challenging’ Intersection Near Newark School Gets Safety Upgrade

NEWARK, NJ — Ever since Amy Panitch came to Franklin Elementary School in Newark, the intersection of Park Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue has been a “challenge.” But now, the principal is among those cheering improvements at a stretch of roadway that is one of the busiest in Essex County.

Officials and school community members recently gathered at the intersection to celebrate the installation of new traffic signal equipment.

According to a statement from county officials:

“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. LED lights are brighter, easier to see, more energy efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs. Sidewalks, curbs and roadway pavement was replaced only where it was disturbed by the construction or broken. The signals also are outfitted with GPS clocks to ensure they remain coordinated with other traffic signals along Park Avenue.”

Officials added:

“NV5 from Parsippany received a professional services contract for $168,262 to design the upgrades at all locations. Assuncao Brothers, Inc. from Edison was awarded a publicly bid contract for $4,349,263 to perform the construction work. Pennoni Associates from Newark was awarded a $903,886 contract to provide construction inspection and project management services. The design, construction and construction inspection for each intersection cost about $602,000. 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.”

“The danger that existed here was extraordinary with parents dropping off their children and students walking to school,” New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz said.

“I’m so happy the improvements are here now to protect children and their families,” Ruiz continued. “The students now have some additional protection because of the lights.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said the improvements came at Ruiz’s recommendation.

“Park Avenue is one of the busiest county roads in Essex, providing east to west access,” DiVincenzo said. “The high volume of cars traveling this way made it necessary for us to make sure our infrastructure here meets the current traffic demand.”

Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos praised the improvements.

“The traffic signal at this intersection will ensure a safer walk to Franklin School for our students,” Ramos said.

“Enhancing pedestrian safety is important, and it’s a big relief to us now that these traffic signals are installed,” agreed La Casa de Don Pedro Executive Director Peter Rosario. “This is a great investment to keep our families and children safe.”

The improvements at Park Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue are part of a $6 million project to upgrade nine intersections along Park Avenue in Newark, East Orange and Orange. The other intersections are:

• Park Avenue and Garside Avenue in Newark
• Park Avenue and Ridge Street in Newark
• Park Avenue and Parker Street in Newark
• Park Avenue and 19th Street in East Orange
• Park Avenue and Lincoln Street in East Orange
• Park Avenue and North Clinton Street in East Orange
• Park Avenue and North Day Street in Orange
• Park Avenue and Cleveland Street in Orange

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