Franklin Street Safety Improvements
In accordance with the City's Vision Zero plan, Bike Master Plan, and Complete Streets policy, the Department of Infrastructure was awarded a NJDOT Bikeways Grant to construct a two-way protected bikeway on Franklin Street between Palisade Avenue and Central Avenue. The project would also include a short protected bikeway connection on Central Avenue to improve safe access to Pershing Field Park.
In addition to the bikeway, the projects includes several features designed to enhance pedestrian safety, such as concrete curb extensions, refreshed high-visibility crosswalks, and school zone markings.
As part of the design, Franklin Street would be converted to a one-way westbound street between Palisade Avenue and Central Avenue. Eastbound traffic would be accommodated on nearby parallel streets.
The final design of the bikeway and pedestrian safety improvements reflects analysis and community feedback collected through the 2024 Demonstration Project.
Changes Incorporated Based on Community Feedback
The project scope no longer includes any changes to Manhattan Avenue.
Additional pedestrian safety elements are included, such as concrete curb extensions rather than striping and delineators alone.
"Yield to Pedestrian" pavement markings are included within the bikeway at crosswalks to encourage safer interactions.
The Department is also committed to utilizing local funding and resources to evaluate and implement traffic calming measures and loading zone regulations on surrounding streets to help mitigate potential impacts.
Project History: 2024 Demonstration Project
To test potential street configurations, collect data, and gather community feedback, a demonstration project was installed along Manhattan Avenue (between Summit Avenue and Central Avenue) and along Franklin Street (between Central Avenue and Sherman Avenue). The project featured safety improvements including a two-way protected bikeway along with curb extensions to enhance pedestrian safety.
During the demonstration period, Manhattan Avenue operated as a one-way eastbound street and Franklin Street operated as a one-way westbound street within the project limits.
Installation of the demonstration project occurred on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th and was removed on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.
A community meeting was held on August 1st, 2024 to review the results of the demonstration project.
