On October 24, 2017 the Borough of Somerville was awarded the prestigious “Complete Streets Excellence
Award” at a ceremony held at Rutgers University by the Complete Streets Taskforce. This taskforce
comprises of the NJ Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the
Rutgers Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
As part of this ceremony a video showing how the Borough incorporates complete streets into its
planning process. The Borough was one of only six communities to receive this award.
Complete Streets.
In September of 2015 the Borough Council adopted a “Complete Streets” policy. This Policy
addresses the planning, design, construction, operation of new and retrofitted transportation
facilities within the boroughs public rights-of-way, to enable safe access and mobility of all users of
all ages and abilities.
The benefits of a “Complete Streets” policy provides the Borough and municipal agencies a
guideline to both the public sector and private sector development projects.
The additional benefits of a “Complete Streets” policy is many and varied, and includes the full
integration of all modes of travel in the design of streets to increase the capacity and efficiency of
the road network, reduce traffic congestion by improving mobility options. This encompasses
pedestrian and bicycling safety, and transit vehicle travel as an alternative to automobile travel.
Additionally it will reduce negative environmental impacts, provide connections to walking and
bicycle routes, promote healthy living and create a more livable community.
Complete Streets Excellence Award Presentation