Middlesex County and Woodbridge Township officials gathered on Oaktree Road to unveil a new traffic signal, audible pedestrian crossings and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps at the busy intersection of Oaktree Road (County Road 604), Plymouth Drive and Magnolia Road.

County Director Ronald G. Rios said the changes are part of Middlesex County's Vision 0 initiative and aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on county roadways. "Through our Vision 0 initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting equitable mobility for all road users, we are committed to improving safety and quality of life for all county residents and visitors," Rios said.

The upgrades include a modern traffic signal with video detection and left-turn lanes, revised lane markings for future bicycle facilities, audible pedestrian crossing systems and reconstructed roadway and drainage work. Mayor John McCormick credited the county's partnership and local planning, noting the township also has been adding parking and sidewalk connections to support the commercial district. "We are making a major commitment to the Oaktree Road, Green Street area," McCormick said.

Commissioner Charlie Kenny, chair of the County Transportation Committee, said the project is one of several county intersections being upgraded using technology and data to reduce accidents. "The improvements to this intersection will make it safer and more accessible for everyone," Kenny said. County remarks referenced similar upgrades in Conrad, Edison, Perth Amboy and South Brunswick.

Councilman Virabhadra (Viru) Patel, whose fourth ward includes Menlo Park Terrace, thanked township and county staff and described the project as overdue. "It's a great collaborative effort between the county and township," Patel said.

Officials said the county authorized a cost-sharing agreement with the township to install the signal and associated improvements. County and township speakers described the signal and related work as being on the order of $1 million (amounts described in remarks as approximately $1,000,000 for the signal and a prior about $1 million sidewalk connection), and noted a recent public service announcement campaign about distracted driving. Rios and others pointed to countywide traffic safety numbers: "Last year, there were 60 fatalities in Middlesex County roadways," Rios said.

Speakers acknowledged engineers and police traffic-unit personnel who worked on the project, including Woodbridge engineering staff and the county's transportation staff. The presentation emphasized enforcement and education in parallel with engineering improvements as components of Vision 0. No formal motions or votes were recorded during the on-site event.

Officials said the county will continue phased work on Oaktree Road, with additional segments planned for the coming year and ongoing pedestrian-safety studies. They also thanked local businesses and community members for input and patience during construction.