January 17, 2020 – Major safety improvements on Route 111, in the area of Fitness Edge/Prime 111 and the Pequannock River Trail crossing, are progressing. A much needed traffic light on Route 111 at the Fitness Edge/Prime 111 shopping center is in the design phase and under design review by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) this month. The town has received a funding commitment through the State Department of Transportation and MetroCOG, the regional planning agency. In addition to the initial design review, an additional approval will occur at final design prior to construction. As a part of the same project, the current trail crossing will be relocated to coordinate with the new traffic light. These changes are critical to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
The town is taking interim measures to improve safety while the new traffic light and trail crossing installation is in process. In the coming weeks, a temporary light beacon with an improved crosswalk will be installed at the current Pequannock River Trail crossing to help our trail users cross Route 111 safely. The new beacon has a rapid flash lighting system that improves the ability of a driver to notice the trail users’ intention to cross the road safely. These beacons will be reused at Spring Hill Road once the permanent project is completed.
First Selectman Vicki Tesoro states, “I have long advocated for a light at this location on Route 111. Although the process takes longer than we all would like, I’m pleased that we are finally moving in the right direction. We are doing everything we can to expedite the process with our partners at the State.”