Cranford Leaders Outline Next Phase of Downtown Streetscape Project

Cranford officials are moving forward with details on the long-planned Downtown Streetscape Project, a comprehensive plan to modernize the downtown district while improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and parking. The project combines $4.75 million in state grant funding—$2.75 million for traffic signals and more than $2 million for streetscape improvements—with local planning.

Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and Commissioner Brian Andrews recently outlined the proposal on TV35, emphasizing that the project goes well beyond aesthetics. The current downtown streetscape is approximately 40 years old and requires reinvestment, but the redesign addresses multiple needs simultaneously.

A comprehensive traffic study identified several specific changes intended to reduce congestion along North Avenue, particularly during peak commuting hours. The most significant proposal relocates the traffic signal at Eastman Street farther west to Miln Street, outside the post office. According to Andrews, the current spacing between traffic lights contributes to backups because vehicles become trapped between intersections. Moving the signal increases distance between lights, reducing traffic bunching during busy times.

The plan also eliminates left turns from westbound North Avenue onto Eastman Street. Motorists heading to businesses on Eastman would instead use the dedicated left-turn lane at North Union Avenue before approaching downtown, reducing backups caused by waiting vehicles.

A new traffic signal at Miln Street will address delays caused by vehicles turning left onto North Avenue, delays that can extend back through nearby intersections. The redesigned intersection will include dedicated left-turn and right-turn lanes.

The township plans to replace aging traffic signals with modern equipment that can be synchronized to improve overall traffic flow. Andrews noted that current traffic lights are decades old and lack coordination. Modern signals that communicate with each other significantly improve traffic management. The $2.75 million in New Jersey Department of Transportation funding covers this equipment upgrade.

The project calls for closing a block of Eastman Street to create expanded public space. While acknowledging concerns about losing on-street parking, Miller Prunty cited a comprehensive parking study completed several years ago that identified opportunities to reallocate existing parking throughout downtown. The study found that converting some 9-hour permit spaces in Lot 7 to short-term spaces for shoppers and restaurant patrons would increase downtown accessibility and support.

Miller Prunty emphasized that the plans were developed with input from the police, fire, and public works departments to ensure emergency access, snow removal, and street maintenance needs are met.

Union County Life covers infrastructure projects, civic planning, and downtown development across Cranford and all Union County municipalities. More information about the Downtown Streetscape Project, including concept plans and frequently asked questions, is available at the project website.

FAQ

Q: What is the Downtown Streetscape Project?
A: The Downtown Streetscape Project is a long-planned comprehensive modernization of Cranford's downtown district. The project combines traffic improvements, pedestrian safety upgrades, parking optimization, and aesthetic enhancements. The current downtown streetscape is approximately 40 years old and the project addresses both maintenance and modernization needs.

Q: What specific changes are proposed for traffic?
A: The plan relocates the traffic signal at Eastman Street to Miln Street (outside the post office) to increase spacing between lights and reduce vehicle bunching. Left turns from westbound North Avenue onto Eastman Street will be eliminated, redirecting traffic to use the dedicated left-turn lane at North Union Avenue. A new traffic signal at Miln Street will include dedicated left and right-turn lanes. All existing traffic lights will be replaced with modern, synchronized equipment.

Q: How is the project funded?
A: The project is funded by $4.75 million in New Jersey Department of Transportation grants. This funding covers $2.75 million for new traffic signals and more than $2 million for streetscape improvements. This keeps costs off Cranford taxpayers.

Q: What is being done about downtown parking?
A: A comprehensive parking study identified opportunities to reallocate existing parking throughout downtown. The plan would convert some 9-hour permit spaces in Lot 7 to short-term spaces for shoppers and restaurant patrons, increasing downtown accessibility while addressing concerns about closing a block of Eastman Street.

Q: When will the project start and how long will it take?
A: The project is currently in the planning and design phase. Residents should check the project website for timeline information, construction schedules, and implementation updates as the project moves forward.

Q: How will the project affect downtown businesses and access?
A: The project was developed with input from police, fire, and public works departments to ensure emergency access, snow removal, and street maintenance needs are met. Improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety are intended to make downtown more accessible and attractive to shoppers and visitors.

Q: Where can I find more information about the project?
A: More information, including concept plans, frequently asked questions, and project updates, is available at the Downtown Streetscape Project website. Residents can also contact Cranford Township government for additional details.