New spin on traffic
Passaic County OKs mini-roundabout for troublesome intersection
By: Matt Fagan
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WOODLAND PARK - Passaic County has approved spending $300,000 to fix the troublesome intersection of McBride Avenue and Browertown Road, essentially turning it into a roundabout.
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During its last meeting, the Passaic County Board of Commissioners moved plans for a fix from the back burner by Ok'ing a $298,700 contract to Remington and Vernick engineers to design the mini-roundabout.
..... Long a problematic traffic spot, the project fueled by a $1.2 million grant procured by Woodland Park's U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, is expected to progress in the next few years. The project's funding was initially approved in April 2023, officials said.
..... "This county project will facilitate a left-hand turn from Browertown Road (traveling north) onto McBride Avenue, providing access back toward downtown and the schools," Borough Administrator Sam Yodice said.
..... unable to make a left turn, drivers often take Dowing Parkway to reach the downtown.
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"The business district suffers because of this," said Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert said.
..... It is hoped that the new roundabout will reduce the cut-through traffic, officials said.
..... "The McBride Avenue mini-roundabout will reduce traffic, improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, and improve access to Woodland Park's downtown," Sherrill said.
..... The design phase, the cost of which is the responsibility of the county, is expected to be completed in 2025. Once complete, the plan needs to be vetted by state agencies including the Department of Transpiration, before it can go out to bid.
..... County officials said that other than predicting when the design might be completed, it remains unclear when the construction phase of the project is likely to go out to bid or how long construction is likely to last.
..... County Commission Director John Bartlett said the intersection has long been a trouble spot and part of an initiative to improve the safety and efficiency of its roadways. Both Browertown and McBride are under the auspices of the county.
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"We are addressing these issues head-on, improving traffic and pedestrian safety in Woodland Park," Bartlett said.
..... "This partnership with Passaic County marks a vital step forward in ensuring safer and more efficient travel for our residents and visitors," Kallert said.