City Hopes Grant Funding Will Help Improve Traffic Safety
Applications being made for traffic calming measures along 3rd & 4th and Memorial Drive improvements
The Asbury Park City Council has approved moving forward with a grant application that will help stay traffic along Third and Fourth avenues.
Resident Glenn Massimillo [at right] said he registered over 140 cars speeding over 30 miles per hour along Fourth Avenue in a one hour period while monitoring the speed trailer on a recent Sunday morning.
Transportation Manager Michael Manzella said data has shown that the 85 percentile speed is under 30 miles per hour, meaning the vast majority of drivers are just over the speed limit.
The 2019 Safe Routes to School Grant application is being made to help fund traffic calming measures, signal upgrades, and other safety improvements on Third and Fourth Avenues, Manzella said.
The proposed improvements include adding a walk prompt to the traffic signal at Third Avenue and Pine Street, six neighborhood roundabouts, four vehicle activated traffic calming signs, school crosswalk signs, and bike lanes along Third avenue.
“Asbury Park was recognized as Safe Routes to School Gold Community this year,” Manzella said. “We think this distinction makes a good case for us to receive this funding which will help reduce speeding and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Third and Fourth Avenues in the vicinity of the Bradley Elementary School.”
A submission will be made for a New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Grant Application, officials said.
The grant is earmarked for improvements along Memorial Drive between Asbury Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Manzella said. Improvements would include replacement of sanitary sewer lines, drainage upgrades and repaving of the roadway.
The City will also apply for a North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority grant, with sponsorship from Monmouth County. If awarded, the grant funding would be used for installation of traffic signals along Memorial Drive at Third, Fourth, and Sunset Avenues.
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