Princeton officials hope to receive $1.8 million in state grants to offset the costs of improvements to Dickinson Street, Alexander Street and University Place, and extension of the existing shared pedestrian and bicycle path on Cherry Hill Road.
The Princeton Council approved the grand applications to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) at its July 25 meeting.
Princeton Councilwoman Eve Niedergang said the grants would “really make a difference” to taxpayers.
The town applied to NJDOT’s Municipal Aid grant program for $1 million to reconstruct Dickinson Street, between University Place and Alexander Street. The Municipal Engineer’s cost estimate for the project is $1.3 million.
The project calls for “ripping up the asphalt” on Dickinson Street and replacing the storm sewer and sanitary sewer, according to Assistant Municipal Engineer James Purcell in a memorandum to Council on July 21.
New asphalt would be applied to Dickinson Street, plus new sidewalks and curbs, Purcell said, as well as upgrades to pavement markings and signage.
The improvements to University Place and Alexander Street include roadway resurfacing and installation of ADA (American with Disabilities Act)-compliant curb ramps, Purcell said in the memorandum.
“Sidewalks on University Place and Alexander Street will be replaced in proximity to the new ADA-compliant ramps,” he said.
“The existing storm sewer and sanitary sewer will be repaired, as needed, on the two streets. Upgrades to pavement markings and signage are included in the project.”
Across town on Cherry Hill Road, the town has applied to the NJDOT’s Bikeway grant program to extend the existing shared pedestrian and bicycle path, Purcell said. The town has applied for $751,397 toward the Municipal Engineer’s cost estimate of $824,927.
The existing pedestrian and bicycle path starts at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and State Road/Route 206 and ends at Foulet Drive. The existing bicycle path would be extended from Foulet Drive to Crestview Drive, Purcell said.
“The pedestrian and bicycle path extension project enters into the geologically unique Princeton Ride,” Purcell said in the memorandum. “The project would include some tree removal and replanting, slope excavation and retaining wall construction. Boulders and bedrock may be encountered in the construction area.”
He added it would not be necessary to obtain additional land acquisition to construct the pedestrian and bicycle path extension.