Federal, state, and local officials gathered in Weehawken on Wednesday to break ground on a project that they say will help transform one of the worst, most dangerous bottleneck areas in Hudson County into one of the safest roads in the state.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Rep. Albio Sires, and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise were joined by developers and representatives from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to mark the beginning of a multi-million dollar federally-funded public transit infrastructure project on Baldwin Avenue – a tiny, but crucial stretch of road.
Buses and trucks are currently banned from using the road, which provides access between the Weehawken waterfront and the Lincoln Tunnel. And cars that choose the route are left to maneuver dark, narrow curves, and a confusing intersection.
‘Government works best when it works together.’ – Sen. Robert Menendez
________
Preparation for the project, which Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner said has been nearly 20 years in the making, took the cooperation of many agencies and groups and included land swaps between New Jersey Transit and Port Authority.
Even a factory, which had previously stood off the road and was destroyed by fire, was apparently a component in bringing the project together.
“It’s taken a tremendous effort,” said Turner.
Putting it together
While the problems at Baldwin Avenue have been on the radar for years, Turner said that once the Weehawken Waterfront Complex was opened and kids were walking down the road and cyclists were using it as a route, the pressure was on even more to have it fixed.
Although there have been many complaints from residents, Turner said there have been very few accidents, but the road is nevertheless annoying and uncomfortable.
Senator Menendez, who lives in Hoboken, said he often travels Baldwin Avenue and is familiar with the challenges at the site. He lauded his fellow government officials for coming together to make way for a solution.
“Government works best when it works together,” said Menendez. “This is a glowing example of how government can work on [the constituents’] behalf.”
State Sen. Brian Stack, Assemblywoman Caridad Rodriguez, and Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, though not in attendance, were thanked by officials for their assistance with the project as well.
The project is being funded by a 2001 ISTEA Grant for $2.5 million and a 2005 Transportation Equity Assistance Grant (SAFETEA-LU) for $1.6 million.
But even after that money was secured, an additional million was still needed.
Rep. Sires worked with the county to ensure that the final million necessary was routed to the Baldwin Avenue project, and said he was “tickled pink” that the project is finally getting underway.
County Executive Tom DeGise said Hudson County, which received $7 million in federal stimulus money, is the only county that gave all of the money to municipal projects.
The Baldwin Avenue project, he said, received the most.
How it will affect traffic
Construction will begin at the site on Monday, and it is estimated that the project will take approximately one year to complete.
According to officials, while construction is underway, the road will remain open and the current flow of traffic will be maintained.
Turner said that caution will also be taken to make sure that construction does not in any way disturb the tunnel helix that hangs directly over Baldwin Avenue.
Once complete, the roadway will be opened up from a two-lane road to a four-lane road, and additional improvements will include sidewalks, enhanced lighting, new traffic signals, and more (see sidebar).
Additionally, after completion, mass transit will also be allowed to use the road, which officials are hoping will ease the flow of traffic.
Paving the way for development
Turner said that the road in its current condition has been a detriment to the development of the waterfront and that the improvements are part of preparing for the next phase of development.
Carl Goldberg, a managing partner at Roseland Properties (which has several developments along the waterfront), concurred, and added that the road is the gateway that will allow Roseland to fill the potential along the waterfront for the next decade and create more jobs and more tax ratables.
Roseland Property Company, Port Imperial’s Master Plan Developer, and Hartz Mountain Industries are working in coordination with the municipality on the project.
Wilbur Smith Associates of Edison are serving as the Oversight Engineers, and TOMCO Construction of Wharton is handling the construction.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.
Sidebar
Project improvements for Baldwin Avenue include:
• 2,200 feet of new roadway, including islands, curbs and sidewalks, and lighting that will greatly enhance traffic flow and pedestrian access and safety;
• New traffic signals at Baldwin Ave. and Port Imperial Blvd., and Baldwin Ave. and Boulevard East;
• 3,000 feet of new storm water drainage including 50 new inlets, two separation chambers, and a new outfall;
• 90-foot extension of the Hudson River Walkway, connecting property owned by Hartz Mountain Industries and the new waterfront Pershing Road Park;
• A new Port Authority parking lot including lighting, fencing, and an electronic security system;
• Landscape improvements throughout the new roadway area.