This is a press release from Essex County. Press releases are official statements that have not been independently verified.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that new traffic signal equipment was installed at the intersections of Bloomfield Avenue and Municipal Plaza and Bloomfield Avenue and Grove Street in Bloomfield on Friday, June 10th. The improvements are part of a $6 million project to upgrade nine intersections throughout Essex County. The intersection upgrades are part of the County’s ongoing initiative to modernize infrastructure to enhance pedestrian and motor vehicle safety and to meet the changing needs of the community.
“Traveling along County roads and through these intersections are part of our daily lives. We use County roads to go to work, school and shopping. This project is part of our ongoing initiative to modernize our infrastructure to ensure it meets current traffic demands,” DiVincenzo said. “Both of these intersections are located in Bloomfield’s Downtown District and are among the busiest in the County. Making sure they are up to date and functioning property contribute to the vibrancy of the business district and will ensure pedestrians and motorists can pass through safely,” he added.
“I am focused on projects that make our communities more walkable, more bicycle-friendly and safer for everyone. These are the types of projects that will help us continue the renaissance started in Bloomfield,” Commissioner Brendan Gill said. “This is a very busy intersection and I applaud this project for improving the safety for pedestrians and motorists,” Commissioner Patricia Sebold said.
“This is one of the busiest intersections in Bloomfield. I am particularly pleased with the dedicated left turn signal from Municipal Plaza onto Bloomfield Avenue because that will eliminate much of the congestion,” said Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia, who was joined by Council member Rick Rockwell and Jenny Mundell.
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 and curbs around the intersections were replaced and the intersections were repaved. The signals also are outfitted with GPS clocks to ensure they remain coordinated with other traffic signals along Park Avenue. An added feature on Municipal Plaza is a dedicated left turn signal onto Bloomfield Avenue.
NV5 from Parsippany received a professional services contract for $179,808 to design the upgrades at all locations. Assuncao Brothers, Inc. from Edison was awarded a publicly bid contract for $4825,659 to perform the construction work. Dewberry Engineers from Bloomfield was awarded a $998,349 contract to provide construction engineering services. The design, construction and construction inspection for each intersection cost about $666,000. 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.
