Union County pushes, 'action plan' to make roads safer for pedestrians and motorists
The Union County Board of Commissioners signed off on the "Safe Streets Action Plan.” It details specific areas where safety improvements are needed.
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Pedestrian and motor vehicle deaths in Union County in recent years have provoked calls to make roads safer in places like Elizabeth, Kenilworth, and Westfield.
The Union County Board of Commissioners now has the the data they need to make changes with the completion of the “Union County Safe Streets Action Plan.”
The action plan targets several areas for safety improvements including South Broad Street in Elizabeth, which tallied 364 crashes between 2018 and 2022.
Another area being noted for enhancements is Kenilworth Boulevard in Kenilworth where there were 500 crashes in that same four year period. At both areas there were people killed or seriously injured.
Those who regularly walk the streets in Elizabeth say that drivers don’t watch out for or respect pedestrians as they should.
News 12 spoke with Charles Diaz at Pearl Street at the intersection with South Broad Street. He grew up in Elizabeth.
“Because it’s more of a drivable city, a lot of people don’t look out for pedestrians that often. When I tried crossing the street earlier like I had to make sure I looked at the driver to make sure they were also like looking at me before I crossed too," said Charles Diaz.
The study lists specific improvements to each road including improved lighting, enhanced crosswalks or no turn on red signs.
Union County officials will now be able to seek out grant money to make enhancements.
