NJDOT to begin installation of safety improvements
to Midland Avenue railroad crossing this month

New system will help prevent cars from stopping on tracks

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation officials today announced that construction of safety improvements to the Midland Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park will begin at the end of the month.

NJDOT has been working closely with NJ Transit, Bergen County, local officials and Congressman Pascrell’s office to improve safety at this crossing.

This project will consist of a queue cutter traffic signal, a new crossing surface, and a new “DO NOT BLOCK THE BOX” surface treatment. The queue cutter system uses new signals that are programmed to help prevent cars from stopping on the tracks.

“We have taken the safety risks at Midland Avenue crossing very seriously,” NJDOT Commissioner Jamie Fox said. “This queue cutter system is a state-of-the-art method that will help make the crossing safer for motorists. The Department examined a number of options for addressing the concerns about Midland Avenue and this system is not only a good solution but also the most feasible given the layout of the intersection.”

The work is scheduled to begin at the end of March and is expected to be completed by the summer. This project is estimated to cost $800,000 with $300,000 coming from federal funds and $500,000 paid for by the state.  Once the signal system is installed, a new surface will also be installed. The surface construction will require the road to be closed for two weeks, with traffic detoured. NJDOT will advise the public before any closures take place.

“I applaud Commissioner Fox for his swift response to my concerns and the concerns of the community regarding this deadly rail crossing,” said Rep. Pascrell. “While this plan is a good first step towards ensuring the safety of motorists and the community, we must continue to work to find a permanent solution to this grave public safety issue. Grade crossing safety is not just an issue in Bergen County - it is a national concern. Rail crossing accidents have caused far too many preventable deaths and injuries, which is why I am an original cosponsor of legislation that would invest more in rail safety to implement modern technology and raise public awareness."