A section of a Jersey City street known to be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists is about to undergo a renovation. The City recently approved a resolution to start construction on the redesign of The Coles Street underpass, which is located near the Holland Tunnel under 12th Street. Construction is set to start in April of this year. Read on for what to know about the Coles Street underpass redesign in Jersey City, New Jersey.
What to Know
Per a press release sent out by the City of Jersey City, the Jersey City Municipal Council approved a resolution to begin construction on the redesign of the Coles Street underpass under 12th Street on Thursday, February 22nd — the final step before work officially begins this spring.
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Per Jersey Digs, Parlin-based construction company S. Batata Construction has been authorized to begin work in April and first work on infrastructure improvements that include new drainage, sanitation, and water main work. The construction will last through the end of 2024.
The goal of the Coles Street redesign is to completely renovate the area and have a more open, community space under 12th Street. The City looks to “create a safe, clean, lighted passage between Hamilton Park and the Holland Gardens neighborhood with pedestrian walkways and protected bicycle lanes.” The area is currently known to be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The renovation will also include separate sewers to reduce water pollution.
Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop, as well as Council Members James Solomon and Yousef Saleh, expressed their thoughts on the redesign in the press release:
Mayor Fulop said, “The councilmen have worked closely with us to prioritize this improvement project to help connect neighborhoods near Holland Gardens, the Embankment House, and the other side of 12th Street near the Holland Tunnel entrance with a new bikeway, reconstructed sidewalks, utility upgrades, and safety improvements.”
Ward E Council Member James Solomon — who represents part of the area where the Coles Street underpass is located — said, “My office has been working with Mayor Fulop, Councilman Saleh, community members, Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure and key stakeholders for years to make Jersey City and Ward E’s streets safer. The redevelopment of the Coles Street underpass is a critical step in building a more resilient, more open, and more pedestrian-friendly Jersey City – and with construction set to begin next month, our city can look forward to just that by the end of the year.”
Ward D Council Member Yousef Saleh — who represents the other half of the area where the Coles Street Underpass project is located — said, “When I attended McNair Academic High School in the early to mid 2000’s the Coles St. underpass was a no-man’s land, neither friendly to cars or pedestrians. The area is not only growing, but bustling with life and activity, and this Coles Street underpass redevelopment project is a huge leap forward towards a more pedestrian-friendly, safe, and environmentally resilient Jersey City, benefiting residents of both Wards D and Ward E. It will include I would like to extend my enormous gratitude to Mayor Fulop, Councilman Solomon, Director Barkha Patel, the Department of Infrastructure staff, and all stakeholders for their contributions to this project. I am looking forward to its completion and the positive impact this project will have on our community.”
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