Governor Phil Murphy announced the selection of Red Bank's Shrewsbury Avenue Project as one of sixteen in the State of New Jersey to receive a $1 million grant of federal funds distributed through the Department of Transportation in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program was established by Congress in 2012 and is funded through a set aside of the Federal Aid Highway Program to provide funds for community based "non-traditional" projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation's intermodal system.
With the assistance of Red Bank's contracted grant consultant, Millennium Strategies, a grant was submitted August 2018 requesting $1,188,400 to complete various streetscape /pedestrian improvements along Shrewsbury Avenue. This project plans to add new ADA curb ramps, sidewalks, curb bump outs, and crosswalks in order to ensure the safety of our pedestrians. Additionally, this plan seeks to make aesthetic improvements including the installation of a brick paver strip, trees, decorative pole lighting, benches and new trash receptacles, which will help to update the antiquated nature of this road. The project also seeks to place rain gardens at various locations where curb bump outs will be installed as well as street trees with tree pits. These elements will help to improve drainage and mitigate any negative impacts of stormwater runoff.
All of the improvements are designed to help improve the aesthetic appeal and walkability of Shrewsbury Avenue. Many residents and visitors of Red Bank enjoy visiting Shrewsbury Avenue because of the access it provides to dozens of local restaurants, convenient stores, local corporate buildings, the Red Bank Senior Center, NJ Transit and so much more. The proposed improvements to be completed by the Borough through this project will help provide greater incentive for pedestrians to walk to and from their destinations along Shrewsbury Avenue as well as within the greater downtown area.