Bayonne Gears Up for Progress
August 8, 2023
In an exciting turn of events, Bayonne residents were granted the first in-person glimpse of the proposed 34th Street pedestrian bridge during a recent session at the City Council Chambers. Spearheaded by Mayor Jimmy Davis, this initiative aims to construct a pedestrian bridge over Route 440, linking the 34th Street Light Rail Station with the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor (formerly known as the Military Ocean Terminal).
The primary motivation behind this endeavor is to establish safer and more efficient pathways for pedestrians to cross Route 440, a busy highway that has seen its share of accidents over the years. With lives and public safety at stake, it’s become evident that a better solution is required, especially considering the recent increase in economic development along the Route 440 corridor. The need for secure pedestrian crossings has escalated, prompting discussions about various potential locations for pedestrian bridges along the highway.
Mayor Davis and his team have decided to commence this transformative project in the vicinity of the 34th Street Light Rail area. The existing pedestrian overpass linking the Light Rail station with the parking lot served as a logical starting point. The proposed bridge will seamlessly connect to the existing Light Rail passenger overpass. The esteemed engineering firm TY Lin, entrusted with the bridge concept development study, has presented diverse options for addressing pedestrian safety concerns around the 34th Street and Route 440 junction. Their proposals range from various bridge designs to highway crossing upgrades that wouldn’t require bridge construction.
Amidst these considerations, the consensus remains clear: Bayonne needs a bridge. TY Lin’s staff envisions a single-span, prefabricated, steel truss bridge over Route 440 as the preferred alternative. This proposal entails fully enclosed stairs and an elevator building on the bridge’s eastern landing, bridging the gap across the highway from the Light Rail station. The plan further encompasses a sidewalk on the eastern landing, facilitating connections to Goldsborough Drive and Port Terminal Boulevard, both significant roads at the former Military Ocean Terminal. The engineers’ vision includes a twelve-foot-wide space within the bridge to ensure safe access for pedestrians and cyclists.
In a recent public information session on August 2, community members advocated for the bridge to be closed for safety reasons, while others voiced the necessity for additional sidewalks in the Route 440 corridor. The project’s momentum continues to build, as TY Lin is set to present the proposed bridge to City Council Members at the City Council Caucus on Wednesday, August 9, at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will be televised on Optimum cable Channel 78 and Verizon Fios Channel 42. One more opportunity will follow for the public to provide in-person comments about the bridge proposal.
The roots of this bridge project trace back to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority awarding Bayonne a $550,000 planning grant. Subsequently, the City of Bayonne secured over $4 million in federal funds for bridge construction through the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. These funds were derived from the Liberty Corridor program, a transportation aid package that Senator Bob Menendez championed during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
As of now, the concept for the bridge is established, along with the preferred building option. With more than $4 million allocated for construction, the project is poised to progress. Following further public input, the trajectory will shift toward preliminary engineering, culminating in the final bridge design and eventual construction.
Mayor Jimmy Davis’ commitment to fostering a safer, more connected Bayonne is evident in this bridge initiative. As this transformative endeavor continues to unfold, residents are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and suggestions to TY Lin via the website: https://34thstbayonnepedestrianbridge.com/contact. Collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the city is dedicated to expanding safe crossing options in the Route 440 corridor.
As the sun sets on this chapter of progress, Bayonne stands on the cusp of a new era. The proposed pedestrian bridge embodies a shared vision for a safer, more accessible city, and Mayor Jimmy Davis’ leadership paves the way for a brighter future for all residents.
Draft 2:
Published: August 8, 2023
In an exciting turn of events, Bayonne residents were granted the first in-person glimpse of the proposed 34th Street pedestrian bridge during a recent session at the City Council Chambers. Spearheaded by Mayor Jimmy Davis, this initiative aims to construct a pedestrian bridge over Route 440, linking the 34th Street Light Rail Station with the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor (formerly known as the Military Ocean Terminal).
Key Points:
- Mayor Jimmy Davis leads initiative for a safer pedestrian bridge in Bayonne.
- Proposed 34th Street pedestrian bridge to connect Light Rail Station and Bayonne Harbor.
- Public engagement highlights the need for secure pedestrian crossings over Route 440.
Pedestrian Bridge Proposal:
Mayor Davis and his team have decided to commence this transformative project in the vicinity of the 34th Street Light Rail area. The existing pedestrian overpass linking the Light Rail station with the parking lot served as a logical starting point. The proposed bridge will seamlessly connect to the existing Light Rail passenger overpass.
TY Lin Engineering Firm’s Role:
The esteemed engineering firm TY Lin, entrusted with the bridge concept development study, has presented diverse options for addressing pedestrian safety concerns around the 34th Street and Route 440 junction. Their proposals range from various bridge designs to highway crossing upgrades that wouldn’t require bridge construction.
Community Engagement and Future Steps:
In a recent public information session on August 2, community members advocated for the bridge to be closed for safety reasons, while others voiced the necessity for additional sidewalks in the Route 440 corridor. TY Lin is set to present the proposed bridge to City Council Members at the City Council Caucus on Wednesday, August 9, at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will be televised on Optimum cable Channel 78 and Verizon Fios Channel 42.
Funding and Project Timeline:
The roots of this bridge project trace back to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority awarding Bayonne a $550,000 planning grant. Subsequently, the City of Bayonne secured over $4 million in federal funds for bridge construction through the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
Conclusion:
As of now, the concept for the bridge is established, along with the preferred building option. With more than $4 million allocated for construction, the project is poised to progress. Following further public input, the trajectory will shift toward preliminary engineering, culminating in the final bridge design and eventual construction.
Mayor Jimmy Davis’ commitment to fostering a safer, more connected Bayonne is evident in this bridge initiative. As this transformative endeavor continues to unfold, residents are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and suggestions to TY Lin via the website: https://34thstbayonnepedestrianbridge.com/contact. Collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the city is dedicated to expanding safe crossing options in the Route 440 corridor.
