Making a Walkable Downtown Safer and More Connected

Along Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Montclair, one of Essex County’s most active pedestrian corridors, improving safety meant enhancing how people and vehicles move together through the street. Through the NJTPA’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, our team was selected to design upgrades at 12 signalized intersections, focusing on creating a safer, more accessible experience in a dense, walkable environment.

The effort responds to the daily reality of the corridor, where high pedestrian volumes, active storefronts, and steady traffic demand thoughtful, well-coordinated improvements.

Targeted Upgrades with Measurable Impact

Improvements included new traffic signal equipment, high-visibility crosswalks, audible pedestrian push buttons, and countdown timers to enhance awareness and safety for all users. Curb extensions were introduced to shorten crossing distances, and more than 60 ADA-compliant curb ramps were installed to improve accessibility throughout the corridor.

The project also included full corridor repaving and integration of the upgraded signals into the County’s central traffic management system, allowing for better coordination and real-time operations.

Part of a Larger Commitment to Safety

Our team worked closely with Essex County and the Township of Montclair, supporting coordination and facilitating public outreach through a dedicated Public Information Center. This collaboration helped ensure that improvements aligned with both technical goals and community expectations.

This project builds on Essex County’s ongoing signal modernization program, supported by multiple NJTPA Local Safety Program grants. Our firm has helped secure three rounds of HSIP funding totaling $131.5 million, advancing safety improvements at more than 150 intersections across the County.