The construction of a traffic median on Drs. James Parker Boulevard on Thursday morning. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
Ever feel like life is coming at you so fast from all directions that you just want to take refuge on a small island?
That’s the idea behind a construction project underway to remake one of Red Bank’s most hair-raising staggered intersections with changes that include a “pedestrian refuge island.”
The intersection of Bridge Avenue, Drs. James Parker Boulevard and South Bridge Avenue has been closed to traffic from 7 am to 5:30 pm this week while crews build new pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, curbs, and a traffic island on Drs. James Parker Boulevard. 
A traffic alert sent out by the borough said Thursday would be the last day of the road closure. On Thursday morning, crews still seemed to have quite a bit of work to do, though.
(We thought about suggesting a palm tree or two on the calming island, but didn’t want to interrupt.)
The offset intersection is a notorious traffic hot spot with heavy pedestrian traffic from people headed to and from the Boys and Girls Club on one corner and Lunch Break on the other.
A 2019 study led by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority stated, “Local police, supported by crash statistics, identified the intersection of Drs. James Parker Boulevard and South Bridge Avenue as a problem area known for high traffic counts, dangerous driving, and speeding.
A pedestrian was struck at the intersection in March, 2025.
Unlike the changes in national politics this week, there will be fewer left turns taking place at the intersection once the work is done.
Traffic heading north from South Bridge Avenue will no longer be able to make a left onto Drs. James Parker Boulevard, according to plans unveiled at a community meeting last year.
There’s also a new sign on the new median prohibiting left turns onto South Bridge by westbound traffic on Drs. James Parker Boulevard.
In December, 2025, the Mayor and Borough Council approved a $257,000 contract with Fernandes Construction for the work. An earlier $70,000 contract with the engineering firm T&M Associates was for planning and design.
Records show the borough received a $243,000 grant from the NJ Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets to Transit program in 2023.
Editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
