Switch Flipped On New Traffic Lights At Busy Montclair Intersection

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The switch has been flipped for new traffic signals at a busy intersection in Montclair.

On Monday, Essex County officials announced that a “modernization” project at Watchung Avenue and Park Street/Watchung Plaza in Montclair has crossed the finish line.

Improvements include the installation of new traffic signals with “modern standards,” high-visibility crosswalks, and pedestrian signals with countdown timers and push buttons with feedback.

Damaged sidewalks, curbs and pavement were also replaced, and GPS clocks were installed to ensure that traffic signal coordination is maintained.

According to the county, Klein Traffic Consulting from West Orange was awarded a professional services contract for $34,990 to design the improvements. Foggia Trinity Electric from Scotch Plains was awarded a public bid contract for $620,753 to perform the construction work.

The project was funded through the Essex County capital budget.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said the improvements were made to address concerns from Montclair residents and local officials.

“Because of the unique configuration of the Watchung Plaza intersection and vibrancy of the Watchung commercial district, we wanted to make sure that we were providing the most up-to-date conditions to maximize safety,” DiVincenzo said.

“This is a very historic intersection that was not designed for today’s traffic,” Essex County Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said.

“The addition of these traffic signals will definitely make this a safer intersection,” agreed his fellow commissioner Brendan Gill, a Montclair resident.

Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville, Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen and town council members Eileen Birmingham, Eric D’Amato and Carmel Loughman attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at the intersection on Monday.

“In Montclair, we are all about making our streets safer,” Baskerville said, crediting county officials with getting the project over the finish line.

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