STATEMENT UPDATE: Cedar Avenue Crossing

UPDATE: FEB. 27, 2020: From Mayor John Madden

Cedar Avenue Rail Crossing Update

This morning there was a Diagnostic Review Meeting at the Cedar Avenue Rail Crossing.  About 25 professionals from the NJ DOT, Federal Rail Administration, NJ Transit, and Conrail were there along with Middlesex Borough Police, Fire, DPW, Borough Administrator and myself.  The purpose of the meeting was what can be done short term and should be done long term to make the crossing safe for the motoring public.  Although we are now waiting for official minutes, a consensus was reached to fix the paving with a better surface and have the traffic lights on both sides of the track stop traffic before the train warning lights and arms come down. We are hopeful that these items will be accomplished by the summer.  Long term, it was agreed that the site warrants having a bridge.

STATEMENT: FEBRUARY 11, 2020

As most of you are aware, there was another train accident this morning on the Cedar Avenue Crossing; we are relieved that there were no injuries this time.

We have been in contact with both the Federal Railroad Administration and the NJ Department of Transportation. After the last and tragic accident in January, Middlesex Borough was assured a seat at the table to find a solution to the safety issues at the crossing. Today, we sent a strong message to the NJ Department of Transportation that they need to escalate the importance of finding a resolution of the safety issues. They are responsible for the safety of both rail service and the motoring public and cannot wait any longer to address this situation.

We will continue to put pressure on the state until the issue is resolved.