WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced Aug. 25 that the intersection of Northfield Avenue and Pleasant Valley Way/Cherry Lane has been upgraded with new traffic signal equipment and a new design to enhance motor vehicle and pedestrian safety. The work is part of the county’s ongoing initiative to ensure infrastructure is up-to-date and is adequate to accommodate the changing needs of the community.
“Northfield Avenue is one of the busiest county thoroughfares and improvements at its intersection with Pleasant Valley Way and Cherry Lane were necessary because of the large numbers of visitors coming to the attractions at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex,” DiVincenzo said in a press release. “One of our ongoing priorities has been modernizing our roads and traffic infrastructure, because having up-to-date signalization enhances safety for pedestrians and motorists, and improves the flow of traffic.”
New poles, signalization equipment and signage were installed and LED lights that shine brighter and last longer were used in the traffic signals. A median in the middle of the southbound side of Pleasant Valley Way was moved back to allow easier left turns onto Northfield Avenue. Double yellow lines were extended through the intersection to keep motorists in the correct lane as they pass through the area. To enhance pedestrian safety, a sidewalk was installed on the large traffic island. New paving and roadway striping was included in the project.
The RBA Group from Parsippany designed the improvements under an existing contract. JC Construction from Rahway received a publicly bid contract for $549,627 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project and answered questions so that delays were avoided. Funding was provided through the Essex County capital budget. The work started in May and was completed in three months.
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Not sure how much of an upgrade, pretty lights and brick do not make that intersection any better. And why wasn’t there a much needed alight added to Warnick Lane to hel with all those people who need to make the left turn from Northfieild onto PVW/Cherry Lane
Sidewalks are still needed on BOTH sides of Northfield, PVW and Cherry Lane