The City of Hoboken and Hudson County invite community members to participate in a virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to provide feedback on potential Vision Zero safety improvements along Willow Avenue between 11th and 16th Streets.
Proposed Vision Zero improvements could include curb extensions to shorten crossing distances and improve visibility, high-visibility crosswalks, rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian refuge islands, leading pedestrian interval timers at signalized intersections to allow for more crossing time without vehicle interaction, protected bike lanes, speed radar feedback signs, and more.
“Our Vision Zero data made it clear that this Willow Avenue corridor needed major safety upgrades, and I am proud that under my administration, we were able to secure the necessary funding from the Federal Highway Administration to make these necessary improvements possible,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “This project is a direct result of listening to our community, partnering with Hudson County, and staying focused on our goal: a Hoboken where streets are safe and accessible for everyone, whether you walk, bike, or drive. We remain fully committed to eliminating traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2030.”
“In line with my administration's ongoing efforts to achieve zero Hudson County roadway deaths by 2034, I'm proud to have worked with Congressional leaders to secure funding to improve Willow Avenue in Hoboken with the inclusion of bicycle accommodations. All residents that utilize Willow Avenue, regardless of their method of travel, should be able to traverse the area safely and securely,” said Vision Zero Chairman and Hudson County Executive, Craig Guy. “I invite residents to attend and participate during the virtual community meeting on Wednesday, June 25. We want to hear from you - your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. This is a project to improve the community and ensure your safety, and you have a seat at the table to ensure you stay informed and involved. Sign up today!”
The City of Hoboken and Hudson County are collaborating on the redesign of uptown Willow Avenue, as the corridor is part of Hoboken’s high-crash network, which accounts for 40 percent of injuries and fatalities citywide between 2014 and 2018. Between 2019 and 2021 alone, the corridor experienced 31 injury-causing crashes, including injuries to seven pedestrians and four bicyclists. Hudson County also identifies it as part of the “bicyclist priority high injury network” in their recently completed local safety action plan.
Willow Avenue is also a critical access road for many vulnerable road users, including seniors living in Fox Hill Gardens, children who play at Tom Olivieri Park or who attend Wallace Elementary School, as well as patrons of area businesses. The corridor is used by residents and commuters from Weehawken, Union City, and other North Hudson communities as a gateway to and from the Lincoln Tunnel and also features four NJ TRANSIT bus stops and a Citi Bike docking station that has supported 41,000 trips for cyclists since it was installed in 2021.
The project would be funded by $1.39 million in grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation when it begins construction in 2027.
To register for the meeting and learn more about the Willow Avenue Vision Zero Safety Improvements Project, CLICK HERE.
