Congresswoman announces $250,000 for Morris Avenue smart traffic-signal project in Union

Congresswoman Lam Monica Maccgyver announced that her office is delivering $250,000 to the Township of Union to support a Morris Avenue smart traffic-signal project intended to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow.

"We are delivering $250,000 to the township of Union for Morris Avenue smart traffic light um project," Congresswoman Maccgyver said, thanking the mayor and local officials for their advocacy. She described the funding as part of efforts to help townships reduce burdens on local taxpayers while upgrading pedestrian safety.

Deputy Mayor Florio said the corridor is highly developed with businesses, hotels and Kane University nearby and called the project "long time coming," adding that synchronized, smart signals should improve traffic through the area. "Once that's done that's going to improve the traffic through this area dramatically," Florio said.

Engineer Benia described how the upgrade will work technically: the project will use smart-signal technology that allows intersections to communicate and adapt to real-time traffic conditions, giving more green time where demand is highest and synchronizing traffic flow where widening the roadway is infeasible because of a nearby railroad overpass.

Township officials said the funding is a start and that additional investment will likely be needed as the project advances. No construction schedule or procurement details were provided during the segment.

Next steps: township staff and the engineering office will proceed with planning and design; officials said the project is expected to take place over several years and will require further funding and approvals before work begins.