Red Bank officials are asking for public input on potential safety upgrades to the intersection of South Bridge Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard.
The Borough recently installed a demonstration project — which is also referred to as tactical urbanism — to show the public what a reimagined intersection could look like before implementing any permanent changes. The intersection was painted bright green and yellow to draw attention to it and slow traffic. The project also includes an additional crosswalk, and paint was used to prohibit parking close to the intersection to increase visibility and safety.
Red Bank received services valued at $10,000 from Sustainable Jersey, the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University and the NJTPA for assistance in designing the project. The project is part of the NJTPA’s Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program, and is funded by the NJTPA. The technical assistance program is designed to support municipal government efforts to advance or implement complete streets, which are roads designed for all users, including vehicles, people walking, bicyclists and public transportation.
“This project is a creative, low-cost way to engage the public in our efforts to make this intersection safer,” said Business Administrator Ziad Shehady. “We encourage everyone to visit the intersection and let us know what they think about the temporary improvements and whether we should make them permanent upgrades.” Feedback can be provided by sending an email to zshehady@redbanknj.org or calling 732-530-2748.
The temporary changes at South Bridge Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard include prohibiting parking within 50 feet of the intersection on South Bridge Avenue and within 25 feet of the intersection on Drs. James Parker Boulevard. Restricting parking near the intersection increases visibility making it safer for vehicles and people walking. The additional space also allows for bicycle parking in front of the Monmouth County Boys and Girls Club on South Bridge Avenue.
Paint and cones were used to create temporary curb extensions, which shorten the crossing distance for people walking, and also prevent cars from cutting the corner when turning, which can result in crashes with pedestrians.
Voorhees Transportation Center staff will observe the project to determine its effectiveness and conduct surveys of passerby.
Sustainable Jersey is a non-profit that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) is a national leader in the research and development of innovative transportation policy, located within the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) is the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the 13-county northern New Jersey region.