Traffic lights along CR629 will be upgraded with "smart" signals.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
NORTHFIELD Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, soon to be called the Board of Commissioners, Tuesday, Nov. 17 approved a $9,720,139 contract for signalization of 28 intersections along County Route 629.
The contract was awarded to L. Feriozzi Concrete Company to mill and surface 24 of the 28 intersections along Dorset and Ventnor avenues, from milepost .27 in Ventnor to 5.26 in Longport. Feriozzi was the lowest of four bids received that went as high as $11 million.
The project includes installing Advanced Traffic Signal Management, or smart traffic signals, at all intersections that can detect when vehicles are stacked at the light, and allow them to be timed to improve the flow of traffic throughout the corridor.
According to final plans and specifications, the 360-degree camera detection system provides for continuous traffic counts, not only on Ventnor Avenue, but also on side streets, monitoring traffic flow in real-time and adjusting signals according to needs.
It is designed to reduce stopping and idling to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions.
The project includes replacing all signal heads, supports, poles and foundations. The signal heads will be modernized with larger LED bulbs to improve visibility. To improve safety for pedestrians, the lights will have audible sounds, braille markings, and countdown signal heads.
Cabinetry for the controlling mechanism and battery back-ups will be elevated in flood-prone areas.
Wherever needed, ADA-compliant ramps, curbs and sidewalks will be installed to improve pedestrian safety.
According to Atlantic County Public Information Officer Linda Gilmore, the project is expected to start in winter and take 18 months to complete.
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