the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood invites community members to attend a public review session for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project. This federally funded initiative—administered through the NJDOT Local Aid Safe Routes to School Program—aims to improve walking and biking conditions for students across Ridgewood.
All residents, property owners, and tenants—especially those near the project zones—are encouraged to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to review project exhibits, ask questions, and share feedback directly with Village representatives and their consultants.
If you’re unable to attend in person or wish to submit comments afterward, you can visit the Village of Ridgewood official website at www.ridgewoodnj.net and submit your comments no later than July 2, 2025.
Project Background: Safer Routes for Ridgewood Students
The goal of the SRTS project is to enhance student safety and accessibility by:
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Adding and connecting new sidewalk sections
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Narrowing roads to increase crosswalk safety
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Installing driver feedback signs in select areas
These improvements are designed to encourage more students to walk or bike to school by creating a safer and more accessible environment.
Project Scope and Affected Locations
The Safe Routes to School improvements will focus on areas around the following Ridgewood schools:
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Willard Elementary
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Ridge Elementary
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Orchard Elementary
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Travell Elementary
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Somerville Elementary
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Hawes Elementary
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George Washington Middle School
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Ben Franklin Middle School
Roadways targeted for improvement include:
Lincoln Avenue, Grove Street, Franklin Avenue, North Monroe Street, West Glen Avenue, East Glen Avenue, Bogert Avenue, Hickory Street, Northern Parkway, and Franklin Turnpike.
Cultural Resource Considerations
This project must comply with federal and state preservation regulations under Section 106 and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act. The Village of Ridgewood and NJDOT are committed to protecting properties listed—or eligible to be listed—on historic registers.
Nearby historical sites under consideration include:
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Ackerman House
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Van Dien House
Both are listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Coordination with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and other stakeholders is ongoing to ensure proper evaluation and preservation measures.
Anticipated Project Timeline
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Final Design Phase: Summer 2025
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Construction Phase: Begins in 2026
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Your feedback is valuable. Whether you’re a resident, tenant, parent, or property owner, your voice can help shape this important project. For updates, plans, and the opportunity to comment, visit the Village of Ridgewood’s website before July 2, 2025.
It would be a LOT safer if the helicopter parents did not block the road in front of Ridge. It forces vehicles heading towards midland park to cross the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. Its only a matter of time before there is a head on collision . Stop double parking you inconsiderate people
Another waste of Federal Funds (your tax dollars) to promote a policy of common sense that does not require a formal program and which can be implemented (if desired) by the town with little to no additional funding.
Once lived on Stillwell Place in Ridgewood (street between Maple and Park Ave, 2 houses from GlenRock). We were advised that my two children (then 6 and 9) were required to WALK to Hawes Elementary, down Park, then along Prospect St , crossing Prospect to get on Grove, and Grove St to get to Stevens. It was a little bit short of 2 miles. Way – WAY too dangerous. Sad the system could not help out with a bus since we were not more than 2 miles away. They actually expected K-3 students to walk those streets. Amazing..
Why dangerous? Didn’t you teach them to look both ways?
Good to know my kids will be eating your kids’ lunch in the marketplace of life.
And who is THEY?