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County hires consultant to draft Roadway Safety Action Plan; commissioners press for Vision Zero implementation
Summary
The board authorized a $400,000 contract to Michael Baker International to develop a countywide Roadway Safety Action Plan funded by a federal grant. Commissioners and public speakers urged fast timelines, community engagement and guarantees that the plan will lead to implementable projects eligible for Safe Streets for All funding.
Essex County commissioners voted to move forward with a consultant-led Roadway Safety Action Plan aimed at prioritizing county roads for safety improvements eligible for federal implementation grants.
The board approved a $400,000 contract to Michael Baker International, a firm the administration said scored highest among proposers for the project. "This process is a data driven, community led process," said the Michael Baker representative, describing use of NJTPA crash and roadway data to identify high-risk corridors and project types most likely to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
Why it matters: County officials told the board that securing a formal safety action plan is a prerequisite for many federal funding sources. Commissioners repeatedly pressed for a clear timeline and assurances the plan would not be shelved after completion. Administration staff said a kickoff was expected in early September, with a target of submitting required documents to federal reviewers later in the year; staff estimated final federal review could extend into fall 2025 depending on federal timelines.
Key commissioner concerns: Commissioners asked whether the plan would incorporate the county’s existing Complete Streets policy and local Vision Zero efforts and how steering committee membership and municipal engagement would be structured. The consultant said the plan will include community meetings, a steering committee of roughly 10–15 people, public pop-ups and surveys, and that recommended improvements could range from redesigns and protected lanes to speed-management and signalization changes.
Public remarks: Several members of the public urged a faster, implementation-focused approach. "Essex County is number 1 in roadway fatalities for pedestrians... we need to do better than that," said bicycle and pedestrian advocate Paul Edwits during the public comment period. Montclair Bike Bus cofounder Jessica Tiller told the board that local programs have shown demand for protected bike infrastructure and urged county leadership to prioritize protected bike lanes and equity in project selection.
Next steps: Staff will return with details on the kickoff schedule, steering committee membership and community engagement timeline. Commissioners instructed administration to produce a high-level timeline of study, conclusion and steps toward implementation.
