The Borough of Carteret is set to begin significant infrastructure improvements after securing a $672,408 competitive grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) through the Local Aid Fund.
Mayor Daniel Reiman announced the funding, which is specifically earmarked for comprehensive roadway and intersection improvements along Hermann Avenue and Poplar and Willow streets.
“The Borough seeks to create safer roadways for motorists and pedestrians alike,” Reiman said. “We are very grateful to Gov. Phil Murphy and Transportation Commissioner Francis O’Connor for these incredibly valuable funds. Local Aid funding will ensure the Borough is able to elevate these roads to their full potential.”
The project is designed to enhance both the longevity of the streets and the safety of residents. Hermann Avenue is a critical residential artery, providing direct access to Carteret Junior High, Carteret High School, and the Walter B. Overholt Jr. Memorial Stadium.
A core component of the plan is improving pedestrian safety. The project will involve installing 32 new ADA-compliant curb ramps and highly visible crosswalks at all intersections across the three roads. Additionally, two speed humps on Hermann Avenue will be replaced and brought up to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards for traffic markings and signage.
The physical construction will involve substantial work on all three roadways:
-
Milling and repaving of the top layer of asphalt on Hermann Avenue, Poplar Street, and Willow Street.
-
Partial base repair on degraded sections of Poplar Street.
-
Full reconstruction of Willow Street.
These improvements will require approximately 1,830 tons of surface course hot mix asphalt (HMA) and 635 tons of base course HMA. Furthermore, all curbs and driveway aprons along Willow and Poplar will be replaced, along with sections of curb and gutter on Hermann between Park Place and Washington Avenue.
This latest funding follows nearly $10 million the Borough previously received from NJDOT for the improvement of Carteret Avenue and to expand access to the waterfront and its forthcoming ferry service.
