One of nation’s “most dangerous” crossings gets safer

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Office of Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9), New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jamie Fox and New Jersey Transit Executive Director Ronnie Hakim unveiled safety improvements made to Midland Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park Aug 3. The crossing was labeled as one of the nation's most dangerous in a New York Times article in February.

 

NJDOT has been working closely with NJ Transit, Bergen County, local officials and Rep. Pascrell’s office to improve safety at this crossing. The project consists of a queue cutter traffic signal, a new crossing surface and a new “DO NOT BLOCK THE BOX” surface treatment. The queue cutter system ties the grade crossing signals to the stoplights at nearby intersections to help prevent traffic from backing up onto the tracks.

“The Department has taken the safety concerns at this crossing very seriously,” Fox said. “NJDOT personnel considered a number of options and determined that these were the most feasible and the most effective.”

The work began at the end of March at an estimated cost of $800,000, with $300,000 coming from federal funds and $500,000 from the state.

“Safety is top priority at NJ Transit. We are encouraged by the safety initiatives and technology that have taken place and are being explored to improve safety at this grade crossing. At the same time, motorists and pedestrians must obey warning devices and signals, never stop on grade crossings and make sure there is enough distance between you and other vehicles so you can exit the crossing,” said Hakim.

“The federal investment here in Elmwood Park is an important step towards ensuring the safety of motorists and the community, which must remain a priority. I stand committed to improving rail safety policies and providing robust surface transportation funding in Congress to help avoid future preventable deaths and injuries,” Rep. Pascrell said

 

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