the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s $74 million proposal to replace the 92-year-old Palisade Avenue Bridge and improve the Belle Avenue intersection on Route 4 was the focus of a recent Green Acres hearing. The hearing aimed to gather public input on the project, which requires the acquisition of approximately one-third of an acre from three parks lining Route 4: Gaylord Park, Window Park, and Milton Votee Park.
Greenbelt and Historical Context
These parks, collectively known as the greenbelt, were preserved when Route 4 was constructed in the 1930s. The greenbelt serves as a visual buffer, showcasing Teaneck’s commitment to environmental preservation. The roadside trees provide a distinctive break from the commercial areas along one of Bergen County’s main routes to the George Washington Bridge and Manhattan.
Project Details
The proposal includes:
- Replacement of Palisade Avenue Bridge: A new five-span continuous bridge, 18 feet wider, will accommodate an acceleration/deceleration lane on Route 4 from Garrison Avenue to Queen Anne Road, with 10-foot shoulders on both sides.
- Sidewalk Improvements: A 6-foot sidewalk will extend from the Garrison Avenue bus stop to the sidewalk near Teaneck High School.
- Lane Additions: The plan provides for three lanes in each direction, although specific locations are not detailed.
- Belle Avenue Enhancements: An acceleration lane from Belle Avenue to Route 4 east and an improved deceleration lane from Route 4 eastbound to Belle Avenue.
- Transition Geometry: Improved transition from three lanes to two lanes at Garrison Avenue Bridge through updated striping and signage.
Green Acres Requirements and Proposed Land Swap
Under Green Acres regulations, any property taken from parks must be replaced. The Department of Transportation proposes a 6-acre site owned by Teaneck, located across Englewood Avenue from Argonne Park, as the replacement. This site is bounded by Englewood Avenue, Oak Street, Buffet Terrace, and Shepard Avenue, adjacent to the First Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Project Timeline
The six-year project is scheduled to begin with utility relocation from spring 2025 to 2027, followed by a three-stage bridge construction from spring 2027 to spring 2031.
Mayor’s Statement
“This project will upgrade the bridge and allow for a modern traffic flow while increasing safety for vehicles and pedestrians alike,” said Mayor Michael Pagan. “Teaneck not only follows Green Acres rules but strives to go above and beyond to help ensure our green spaces are protected and if absolutely necessary, addressed in a manner that provides alternate green spaces for our residents to enjoy.”
Public Comments
Public comments should be emailed by August 15 to ShivonA.Harris@dot.nj.gov or publicandcompliance@dep.nj.gov, with a copy to Teaneck Business Administrator Jaclyn Hashmat at admin@teanecknj.gov. Comments can also be mailed to:
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration
Public Land Compliance Section
401 E. State St., seventh floor, mail code 401-087
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
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