The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently announced a significant allocation of funds to improve road safety across the country, with New Jersey receiving a portion of this grant to address its road safety needs. A total of $82.6 million in road safety planning grants will be distributed across 46 states, including New Jersey. These funds are aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries caused by road-related incidents, with specific attention to high-risk areas such as urban zones, freight routes, and intersections.
New Jersey’s Share of the Federal Grant
New Jersey’s Edison Township, a key commercial hub, was awarded $320,000 as part of the USDOT’s initiative to enhance road safety. This funding will go towards the development of the Edison Vision Zero Action Plan. Edison Township, with a population of over 107,000 residents, has been facing challenges with heavy truck traffic, insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, and general roadway safety concerns. The grant will focus on creating safer roadways for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, ensuring that transportation modes are integrated safely into the urban environment.
In addition to Edison Township, other areas in New Jersey have also received federal grants to improve road safety, such as Englewood City, Red Bank Borough, and Mahwah Township. The goal of these initiatives is to reduce road fatalities and injuries by identifying and addressing community-specific transportation risks.
The Purpose Behind the Grants
The primary objective of these safety action plans is to reduce roadway fatalities, which have been a persistent issue across the nation. According to the USDOT, nearly 14,000 roadway deaths have occurred in communities that will benefit from this funding in the past five years. A few of the essential strategies for addressing these issues include:
- Developing Safety Action Plans: Communities can assess their unique road safety needs and create specific action plans to tackle high-risk areas.
- Quick-Build Strategies: These include testing out new safety features, such as separated bicycle lanes, curb extensions, and improved intersection designs.
- Freight Route Safety: Many of the grants also address safety issues related to freight traffic, which often interacts with local road users.
Specific New Jersey Projects
Several New Jersey communities are receiving federal funding as part of the Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
- Edison Township: As mentioned earlier, Edison will receive $320,000 to develop a comprehensive safety plan targeting pedestrian, cyclist, and truck safety. This project aligns with the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities and will focus on improving infrastructure and safety protocols.
- Englewood City: Englewood has been awarded $200,000 for its Vision Zero Action Plan. This grant will focus on improving pedestrian safety in a city that is seeing a rise in foot traffic due to planned transportation changes. Englewood aims to ensure safe roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
- Red Bank Borough: Red Bank, a densely populated urban area, will receive $120,000 to develop a safety action plan. This funding will focus on accommodating all types of transportation safely within the limited space of the town’s roads.
- Mahwah Township: Mahwah’s $80,000 grant will focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. The goal of this plan is to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 75% by 2028.
The Impact of Road Safety Grants in New Jersey
The allocation of federal funds for road safety in New Jersey is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in the state. As urban areas become more densely populated and freight traffic continues to increase, road safety must become a priority to ensure the well-being of all road users. This funding is expected to:
- Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety
- Enhance safety features along truck freight routes
- Reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries
- Foster more efficient and safer transportation networks across New Jersey
According to USDOT statistics, the rate of traffic fatalities in New Jersey between 2017 and 2021 stood at 3.9 per 100,000 population. The funding from the federal grants aims to significantly reduce these numbers by addressing safety risks and improving infrastructure.
A Step Toward Safer Roads in New Jersey
These grants are part of a larger national effort to address the ongoing issue of road safety. USDOT’s funding will provide communities with the resources needed to make tangible improvements that could save lives and prevent injuries. By focusing on areas with the highest risk, such as urban areas, busy freight routes, and high-crash intersections, these funds will help create safer roads for everyone.
Take Action Today for Safer Roads
The investment in road safety in New Jersey, fueled by USDOT grants, is a crucial step toward reducing fatalities and injuries. However, no matter what is done to increase safety, accidents can still sometimes happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and need assistance navigating the aftermath, Call Us Today at 908-264-7701 for a free consultation.
