Mayor Solomon Launches Next Pedestrian Safety Initiative: Turn Hardening Installations at 17 High-Crash Intersections Across Jersey City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026
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Mayor Solomon Launches Next Pedestrian Safety Initiative: Turn Hardening Installations at 17 High-Crash Intersections Across Jersey City
First three intersections are underway this week; City data shows more than 1,800 injuries and fatal crashes tied to turning vehicles since 2019
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor James Solomon today announced the next step in his Vision Zero initiative to keep pedestrians safe: a turn hardening program at 17 high-crash intersections across Jersey City. Work on the first three intersections begins this week, with the remaining locations to be installed this fall and in spring 2027. This is a first-of-its-kind program in New Jersey and is amongst leading programs globally. It brings together best practices from Vision Zero cities across the continent in blending both physical turn-hardening devices and a detailed assessment of pavement markings to help minimize speeds and reduce exposure for all road users to potential conflict.
Turn hardening places physical traffic-calming elements, including speed humps and fixed barriers, at the corners of intersections so drivers have to make slower, tighter turns. Wide, fast turns put drivers into conflict with people in the crosswalk. Slowing the turn gives drivers more time to see pedestrians and cyclists, reducing both the number and the severity of crashes.
The 17 intersections were identified through Jersey City’s Vision Zero program as high-crash locations. The locations chosen represent a variety of intersection types. The performance of turn hardening design and devices at these initial locations will guide program expansion in future years.
From 2019 through part of 2026, the City recorded 1,824 crashes involving injury or death that were classified as left-turn or right-turn crashes. Those included seven fatal crashes and 80 crashes with suspected serious injuries. “People have been hurt and killed at these intersections, and far too often it was because a driver took the turn too fast,” said Mayor James Solomon. “Starting this week, we are changing the design of these corners so that drivers have to slow down. These are practical, low-cost fixes that will save lives, and we are going to keep building them until every one of these 17 intersections is done.”
“We are following the data to reduce risks of another death on our streets,” said Andy Kaplan, Director of the Jersey City Department of Infrastructure. “ Left-turning crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injuries to pedestrians on our streets. Turn hardening is a well- established tool for addressing them. Safely designed infrastructure can prevent traffic violence and reduce injury by reducing speeds and kinetic energy. Hardened intersections let drivers get where they are going, just at a slower turning speed to see the person in the crosswalk.”
Work begins this week, weather permitting, at the first three intersections:
• Central Avenue and Congress Street
• Summit Avenue and Leonard Street
• Summit Avenue and Manhattan Avenue
The remaining 14 intersections will be installed this fall and in spring 2027:
• Martin Luther King Drive and Warner Avenue
• West Side Avenue and Boyd Avenue
• Communipaw Avenue and Mallory Avenue
• Central Avenue and Jefferson Avenue
• Sip Avenue and Summit Avenue
• Montgomery Street and Barrow Street
• Christopher Columbus Drive and Warren Street
• Marin Boulevard and 6th Street
• Manila Avenue and 6th Street
• Jersey Avenue and 6th Street
• Martin Luther King Drive and Union Street
• Martin Luther King Drive and Claremont Avenue
• Martin Luther King Drive and Ege Avenue
• Ocean Avenue and Danforth Avenue
The program is part of the City’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment to eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on Jersey City streets. Residents will see striping and installation crews at the first three intersections in the coming days. The City will provide updates as additional locations are scheduled.