Passaic, N.J. – Mayor Hector C. Lora is proud to announce that the City of Passaic continues to make remarkable strides in pedestrian safety, reaching two years without any pedestrian or traffic fatalities. This achievement is the result of a strategic approach to road safety, combining measures such as “angle” parking and push button-operated traffic signs, along with the implementation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons and High Visibility Crosswalks.
Mayor Lora, invited as the keynote speaker for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, July 10, 2023, presented how ‘Transportation & Redevelopment are Coming Together to Better Prepare Passaic for the Future.’
“When people feel safe on the roads, sidewalks, and public transportation, they are more likely to choose active modes of transportation, like walking and cycling,” said Mayor Lora.
The City of Passaic has secured significant grant funding from various programs offered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to reconstruct and preserve roads. These grants include NJDOT Local Aid, Municipal Aid, Safe Routes to School, Safe Streets to Transit, Local Aid Infrastructure Fund, Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside, and Local Transportation Planning Fund Programs.
Passaic’s population of approximately 70,000 across 3.2 square miles results in almost 22,000 people per square mile. “Transportation projects often require acquiring land which can create opportunities to redevelop land in adjacent areas,” Mayor Lora said. “This efficient use of land can alleviate urban sprawl or uncontrolled expansion of urban areas and promote sustainable development.”
With the collaboration from respected organizations and colleges & universities, such as the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, EZ Ride, and Complete Streets Program, the City of Passaic has been able to conduct comprehensive roadway studies and implement effective traffic safety measures. This collaborative effort ensures that road design and traffic infrastructure align with the specific needs of the community.
“These collaborations have allowed our city to create visualizations, which help in getting the buy-in from our stakeholders and our community members when we can present these plans, especially for improvements to our streetscape designs,” said Mayor Lora. “We can incorporate and encourage various modes of transportation, expand public open space, and improve safety, mobility, and visibility in order to continue to make Passaic a great place to live, work and visit.”
The Passaic Police Department’s Traffic Division also plays an active role to ensure road safety. They have been equipped to identify the areas of concern and conducted in-depth traffic studies on those intersections. Their efforts enabled the Engineering Department to implement appropriate measures such as installing four-way stop signs and/or traffic signals.
Additionally, the City of Passaic acknowledges the crucial role that crossing guards play in safeguarding students as they commute to and from school, and help secure their safe passage across busy roadways.
All media inquiries should be directed to Lillian Yang at lyang@cityofpasssaicnj.gov