Haddonfield is moving closer to a safer, more walkable downtown after securing a substantial federal grant aimed at improving pedestrian connections to public transit. The borough has been awarded approximately $800,000 through the “Safe Streets to Transit” initiative, funding that will support targeted upgrades along the Kings Highway corridor, one of South Jersey’s most active and visible main streets.
The new award builds on momentum already underway. Over the past year, Haddonfield has captured more than $1 million in transportation-related grants, underscoring a coordinated effort to enhance accessibility, safety, and mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors. Together, the funding packages position the borough to make meaningful infrastructure improvements that align with modern transit-oriented planning.
Kings Highway serves as the heart of Haddonfield’s downtown, linking shops, restaurants, neighborhoods, and the PATCO High-Speed Line station. Borough officials have identified the corridor as a priority area where pedestrian safety improvements can deliver immediate benefits. Planned enhancements are expected to include upgraded crosswalks, improved sidewalk conditions, traffic-calming measures, and clearer pedestrian routes leading to transit hubs.
The Safe Streets to Transit funding is designed to reduce the risk of pedestrian and cyclist injuries while encouraging greater use of public transportation. By improving how people move between neighborhoods and transit stations on foot, Haddonfield aims to support a more connected, environmentally friendly, and inclusive downtown experience.
Local leaders have emphasized that the initiative is not just about infrastructure, but about quality of life. Safer streets can encourage more foot traffic, support local businesses, and make downtown more accessible for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities. Enhancing walkability also strengthens the borough’s appeal as a regional destination while preserving its historic character.
Preliminary planning and design work is expected to continue over the next year, with construction on the first phase of improvements potentially beginning in the summer of 2026. Officials have indicated that community input will play an important role as plans are refined, ensuring that the upgrades reflect local needs and priorities.
Haddonfield’s investment mirrors a broader trend across South Jersey, where municipalities are pursuing grant funding to modernize infrastructure and create safer, more livable communities. Readers interested in similar local initiatives, downtown revitalization efforts, and regional development news can find more coverage in Explore New Jersey’s South Jersey section.
As planning moves forward, the Kings Highway pedestrian improvements are expected to serve as a model for how historic towns can balance preservation with progress, using strategic funding to create safer streets and stronger connections to public transit.
