$9.4M Awarded To Morris County For Turnpike Improvements

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Pequannock Township is set to receive $9.4 million in federal funding for significant intersection upgrades. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) awarded the funds to Morris County for improvements to 38 intersections along the Newark Pompton Turnpike.

The NJTPA Board of Trustees approved the funding on Monday. This project focuses on the section of Newark Pompton Turnpike, encompassing county routes 504 and 660, between Mountain Avenue and Greenwood Avenue. The upgrades aim to enhance daily travel conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists on this corridor.

Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, who is also the third vice chair of the NJTPA Board of Trustees, commented on the project. "This is a road people rely on every day, and it needs to be safe for everyone," Shaw said. He added that these upgrades will make a real difference for those walking, biking, taking transit, or driving along this critical corridor.

Planned improvements include upgrades to three traffic signals, the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, five rectangular rapid flashing beacons, and four pedestrian refuge islands. Curb extensions will also be added to shorten crossing distances. Further enhancements involve clearer bus stop areas, improved lighting, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps, sidewalks, and driveways.

These improvements align with recommendations from a 2024 road safety evaluation. Newark Pompton Turnpike is a primary roadway through Pequannock Township and has been identified as a priority for safety improvements. It ranks second in Morris County for pedestrian safety concerns on the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s 2019 Network Screening List. Between 2017 and 2021, 186 crashes were reported along this section, including three involving pedestrians and nine involving cyclists. Pedestrian and bicycle activity has increased since the completion of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail in 2025.

Federally funded projects of this scale typically take approximately 6.5 years to reach construction authorization, highlighting the extensive planning and coordination required. For additional information on the Subregional Safety Improvement Program, details are available here.

_This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy._