Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements • Sooy Elementary School Area

The Town of Hammonton received a grant through the New Jersey Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program to create a safe and connected sidewalk system to improve access for school children living to the south and west of Sooy Elementary School on 4th Street.

Currently, there are significant gaps between sidewalk sections, and no curb ramps exist, with many existing sidewalks not meeting ADA standards. The Town is exploring options to enhance pedestrian safety and encourage students to use the nearby sidewalks.

The improvement program will cover sections of Third Street, North Street, Fourth Street, Walnut Street, and Old Forks Road, all within the public right-of-way. Driveway aprons will be reconstructed to comply with ADA standards, and existing curb ramps will be upgraded. To enhance visibility and safety, crosswalks at North Street and 3rd and 4th Streets will be improved with solar-powered pedestrian beacons.

While some trees may need to be removed, efforts will be made to minimize this, and an equal number of new plantings will be proposed if necessary. Additionally, drainage improvements are expected throughout the project area.

The Preliminary Engineering Phase is currently underway in 2022, focusing on establishing the expected improvement program. Following this, the Final Design Phase is scheduled for 2023, during which the design of the proposed enhancements will be finalized, and necessary permits and approvals for construction will be obtained. The Construction Phase is projected to commence in 2024.

Project Information

The New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative aims to promote safe walking and biking among students commuting to school. Through a federal grant, funding is available to reimburse costs associated with enhancing bicycle and pedestrian safety within a two-mile radius of K-8 schools, particularly in areas where a significant number of students engage in these modes of transportation. The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development oversees the administration of these funds.