North Bergen Secures NJDOT Action to Improve Traffic Conditions at 91st Street and Tonnelle Avenue

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has agreed to adjust traffic signal timing at the intersection of Tonnelle Avenue (Routes 1 & 9) and 91st Street.   The announcement comes following formal action taken by Mayor Nick Sacco and the Board of Commissioners in coordination with state officials.

In a statement Mayor Sacco said, “Public safety and quality of life are always our top priorities.  This intersection had become a serious problem for residents and for our first responders. I am pleased that NJDOT has listened to our concerns and is taking steps to correct the signal timing so traffic can move safely and efficiently again.”

           At the January 7th Board of Commissioners meeting, Mayor Sacco and the Board adopted a resolution asking that the NJDOT reevaluate traffic patterns at the heavily traveled intersection, citing severe congestion and public safety concerns.  Vehicles were experiencing delays of more than 45 minutes to travel just a few city blocks, preventing residents from leaving or returning to their homes and creating obstacles for emergency responders.

Following the meeting, Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual, Police Chief Robert Farley Jr. and EMS Chief David Prina met with NJDOT engineers to review conditions at the intersection.  State engineers agreed to recalibrate the signal timing to provide additional green time for westbound downhill traffic, a change expected to significantly reduce rush-hour congestion.

                                                     Commissioner Pascual stated that “Tonnelle Avenue is controlled by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and after months of communication we are pleased that action is finally being taken.  We remain committed to improving quality of life in North Bergen and thank our residents for bringing these concerns to our attention.”