16 May ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF TWO INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS New Traffic Signals Installed at Intersection of Mountain Avenue and Gould Avenue/Knollwood Drive in North Caldwell Thomas Boulevard Bridge is Reconstructed in Orange
Published on May 16, 2025
Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the installation of new traffic signals and intersection improvements in front of Gould Avenue Elementary School in North Caldwell and the reconstruction of the Thomas Boulevard Bridge in Orange were completed. Two separate ribbon cuttings were held to celebrate both events. The projects are part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to modernize infrastructure and enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.
“These two projects demonstrate our commitment to address the needs of communities throughout Essex County. I am pleased to work with North Caldwell to install traffic signals at the intersection in front of Gould Elementary School. This will make it safer for student and parents going to and from the school. In addition, the redesign of the Thomas Boulevard Bridge is an example of our ongoing initiative to modernize our infrastructure so our roads and bridges are safe and up to date,” DiVincenzo said.
Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements in North Caldwell
A 2023 study completed by the Essex County Department of Public Works determined traffic signals were needed at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Gould Avenue/Knollwood Drive in North Caldwell. At this intersection is Gould Avenue Elementary School and St. Anthony of Padua Church. New traffic signals equipped with LED lights were installed along with high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian signals with countdown timers and push buttons with feedback. The signals also are equipped with GPS clocks to coordinate the timing of the lights with other signalized intersections. Dynamic Engineering of Lake Como received a $40,000 contract to design the intersection upgrades. JC Contracting from Rahway received a publicly bid contract for $627,663 to perform the construction work. Essex County and North Caldwell entered into a shared services agreement to each pay 50 percent of the project.
“This project is more than just installing a new traffic signal. We are talking about enhancing public safety and improving pedestrian access to the school. This is another tool to make our streets safer,” Commissioner Brendan Gill said. “This is a significant upgrade to the community because if involves enhancing safety for our school children,” Commissioner Len Luciano said.
“I appreciate the partnership with Essex County. Upgrades like this are so vitally important to the safety of our children and residents. To be able to walk across Mountain Avenue more safely is a wonderful addition,” said North Caldwell Mayor Josh Ramond, who was joined by Council members Anthony Floria-Callori, Johanna Stoever, Kenneth Tiltono and Stephen Weinstein.
“Thank you for this. The safety of our students is paramount and the improvements here check that box,” said Gould Elementary School Principal Chris Checchetto.
Thomas Boulevard Bridge in Orange
The Thomas Boulevard Bridge was built in 1964 as a single-span, simply supported, concrete box-beam bridge. After a recent inspection, it was categorized as functionally obsolete, meaning its current geometrics did not meet New Jersey safety standards. To meet current safety standards, it was necessary to redesign the bridge. Boswell Engineering from South Hackensack was awarded a professional services contract of $244,971 to redesign the bridge and perform construction inspection services. CMS Construction Inc. from Plainfield was awarded a publicly bid contract for $519,351 to perform the construction work. The project was fully funded by an NJDOT Local Aid Infrastructure Fund grant.
“Under Joe’s leadership, the County is always turning our great projects. This shows the investments we routinely make in our communities,” Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie Cooper said.
“This is another home run for our residents, especially in our senior building cluster. I am happy to be a part of this,” Mayor Dwayne Warren said. “This is another great day for Orange. We appreciate all the work that the County does here,” Council President Adrienne Wooten said. “The County has been a great partner to the City of Orange. We appreciate all you do to upgrade our community,” Council Vice President Tency Eason said.
