City of Orange Township's Pedestrian Safety Program

The City of Orange Township, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is home to 33,678 residents and faces significant pedestrian safety challenges due to its high population density and diverse community. With 21.6% of the population living below the poverty line and the city being designated as a New Jersey Urban Aid Municipality, the Orange Police Department (OPD) must address public safety issues despite limited resources. One of the most pressing concerns is pedestrian safety, especially around schools where children and families frequently cross busy intersections.

The Orange Police Department will use $17,653 in funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for FY 2024 to support infrastructure improvements focused on pedestrian safety at key intersections, particularly in school zones and family-dense areas. The project will include the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), new regulatory signage, and enhanced pedestrian safety lighting. These upgrades are essential to reducing pedestrian-vehicle collisions, improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, and ensuring the safety of schoolchildren as they travel to and from educational institutions such as Orange High School, Orange Preparatory Academy, and several elementary schools.