By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced improvements that enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety at Smith and Goodwin Streets in Perth Amboy at a press conference on Monday, May 20.
Officials stated that the project includes replacing the traffic light system with Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), improving ADA curb ramps and associated sidewalks, modifying the corner turning radius, and newly painting crosswalks.
“Over the past several years, Middlesex County has been investing in our transportation infrastructure,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“From large-scale projects like modernizing the New Brunswick Train Station, constructing the North Brunswick Train Station, and creating a new parking division with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, to smaller but still crucial projects like this new traffic light system, we are working to ensure our roads are safer and more efficient for everyone who uses them, now and in the future.”
“Today is a landmark moment for Perth Amboy. We’ve just turned on the new traffic light at Smith Street and Goodwin Street, making our commutes safer and easier to navigate,” said City of Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba.
“We couldn't have achieved this without the strong support and partnership of Middlesex County. Thank you for standing with us and investing in our city's future. Together, we’re improving our streets and making Perth Amboy a better place to live and work .”
“Today’s installation marks an important moment in our work to improve safety for everyone who travels through this intersection. This new traffic light system will help bring us closer to ending preventable traffic deaths and serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents here in Middlesex County,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of the Transportation Committee.
“I want to thank Mayor Caba and his team for their support and collaboration as we work to eliminate the roadway and traffic conditions that contribute to motor vehicle-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities."
According to officials, the final cost for the Smith and Goodwin Streets improvements is $627, 827.67; Middlesex County and the City of Perth Amboy each bore 50 percent of construction costs.