Road to 2026: Major Infrastructure Upgrade Kicks Off Near MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and East Rutherford is getting a facelift to handle the global spotlight.
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has announced that major construction is now underway at the critical intersection of Hackensack Street and Union Avenue. This project is more than just a routine repair; it’s a strategic infrastructure play to prepare the region for the massive influx of international fans heading to MetLife Stadium.
What’s Changing at Hackensack & Union?
Located just over a mile from the home of the 2026 World Cup final, this intersection has long been a point of concern for local commuters. The upgrade project includes:
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New Traffic Signal Installation: Replacing outdated controls with a modern, high-efficiency traffic light system.
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Intersection Realignment: Improving safety and flow for both pedestrians and vehicles.
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Utility Modernization: PSE&G crews are currently on-site relocating wires and upgrading utility infrastructure to support the new configuration.
The “World Cup Deadline”
With the eyes of the world turning to Bergen County in 2026, timing is everything. County Executive Tedesco confirmed that crews are working on an accelerated timeline.
“With this intersection just over a mile away from MetLife, our crews will have this project complete in time for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Tedesco stated.
The goal is to ensure that local “bottlenecks” don’t interfere with the transit experience for the millions of visitors expected to traverse East Rutherford’s streets.
A Win for Local Advocacy
This project didn’t happen in a vacuum. Tedesco credited the East Rutherford local governing body for their persistent advocacy. Special recognition was given to former Councilman Ed Ravettine, whose long-term efforts helped push this safety upgrade to the top of the county’s priority list.
What Residents Should Expect
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Traffic Delays: Expect lane shifts and temporary delays near Hackensack Street and Union Avenue during PSE&G utility work.
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Long-Term Benefits: Once finished, the new light will reduce accidents and improve the daily commute for East Rutherford and Carlstadt residents.
As Bergen County transforms into a global sports hub, these local “nuts and bolts” projects are the foundation for a successful 2026 tournament.
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Tags: #EastRutherford #BergenCounty #WorldCup2026 #MetLifeStadium #NJTraffic #Infrastructure #JimTedesco
That’s nice, but can we finish Route 20 already?
If Trump pulls out of NATO there will be a huge boycott !
Who cares??
I thought this was a public transit only event? Oh, Sanzari needs a new boat.
Why did it take the “World Cup” coming to make improvements Oh and btw traffic is a nightmare regardless
Jim, can we fix the shitty Bergen County roads while you’re at it? Driven on Campgaw recently? Holy Crap, what a ride. Potholes everywhere, and even worse, crappy fill jobs by the world’s worst road crews. And these depressed manhole covers EVERYWHERE, how sweet.