(Camden, NJ) – The Board of Commissioners joined Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen and other elected officials on Tuesday to break ground on an enhancement project between Linden Street and Elm Street on 7th Street.
“7th Street is a primary artery into the North Camden neighborhood from downtown and the Ben Franklin Bridge,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, who also serves as the liaison to the county Department of Public Works. “It is a heavily used road and it’s conditions need to be improved so motorists, bikers, walkers and wheelchairs users can safely travel on it. This project will not only transform this gateway, but it will improve the neighborhood’s infrastructure, calm traffic and increase overall public safety.”
In total, the project will cost $2.3 million with funding provided by the state Department of Transportation, U.S. Economic Development Administration and the state Economic Development Authority.
“Our Camden residents quality of life remains my priority and improving Camden’s roadway conditions are a big part of improving our neighborhoods ,” said Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen “That is why the City of Camden, County of Camden, Camden Community Partnership and our partners have been coordinating and working tirelessly to get important projects like 7th Street completed. This $2 million improvement of our streets will be transformational and will make an immediate impact. Over the next few months, these significant investments will be taking shape as multiple infrastructure projects begin.”
The project consists of pedestrian improvements, flooding mitigation, gateway enhancements and Americans with Disability Act curb and ramp upgrades. Construction will start in May and be finished by the early fall.
“Many North Camden residents have voiced a need for better, safer, easier-to-navigate streets,” said Brandi T. Johnson, executive director of the Camden Lutheran Housing Corporation. “Our current neighborhood plan identified 7th St. to be developed as a gateway to North Camden, so it’s great to see construction getting underway with this major level of investment from the City of Camden.”