Mayor, NJDOT, and Legislative Leaders Announce Route 129 Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project

Trenton, N.J. – Mayor Reed Gusciora joined New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Deputy Commissioner Joe Bertoni and the New Jersey 15th Legislative District representatives State Senator Shirley K. Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony S. Verelli yesterday to announce the start of a Pedestrian Safety Improvement project along the state-controlled Route 129 corridor.

The project includes both short-term improvements and long-term solutions to improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists at three signalized intersections on Route 129, at Lalor Street, Cass Street, and Hamilton Avenue.

“These are first steps that should have been taken a long time ago,” Mayor Gusciora said. “We’ve been imploring the State to take measures on this major artery since my days in the legislature. We’re far from finished and will keep seeking solutions to increase safety at these intersections.”

Initial short-term improvements will include a first-in-the-nation Red Clearance Extension system. This smart, predictive technology detects the speed of a vehicle approaching an intersection and automatically adjusts traffic signal changes. Additional improvements include revising the traffic signal timing at each intersection to provide pedestrians more time to cross, adding signal backplates to increase visibility, and installing upgraded, advanced warning signs over the roadway to replace ground-mounted signs. A project to make more extensive safety enhancements to these intersections is currently in the early stages of design.

“I want to thank Senator Turner and the members of the Fighting 15th who have always been in support of upgrades,” said Mayor Gusciora. “We’re still calling on the State to do more, and I think these investments show their willingness to partner for the wellbeing of all Trentonians.”