Smithfield Road Project Enhances Walkability and Safety in Monroe
The Village of Monroe is moving forward with a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving walkability, accessibility, and the overall appeal of the downtown area. The Smithfield Road project, which is a key component of the village’s broader revitalization plan, has already brought significant improvements and promises more to come this spring.
The core goal of the project is to create a continuous loop of safe pedestrian passage connecting Mill Pond and Stage Road. In the fall of 2024, the village installed new curbs and sidewalks along Smithfield Road, graded adjacent properties, and added landscaping to enhance the visual appeal of the area.
“This is really a clean environment. It’s a safe environment. And it’s a very friendly environment,” said Mayor Dwyer. “We encourage people to come down, use the sidewalks, enjoy the walking, and enjoy the different elements of the downtown.”
As part of the enhancements, 47 free parking spaces were delineated on both sides of the street. The next phase, slated for late spring, includes milling and repaving the road, adding fresh striping, and marking designated handicapped parking spots at both the upper and lower ends of the route.
The project also includes the installation of street lighting along the entire corridor, which is expected to improve both safety and ambiance. In addition, the village’s downtown sound system will be extended to the area, creating a welcoming atmosphere for evening visitors. “People can come out at night, walk down along here, go to a movie theater, maybe get downtown to grab something to eat,” the mayor added.
Safety and accessibility are also front and center. A new crosswalk at the bottom of Smithfield Road will allow safe passage to Mill Pond, where an ADA-compliant ramp has already been installed. Plans are underway to replace the sidewalks on the Mill Pond side as the next phase of the initiative.
This effort is part of a larger commitment by the Village Board to invest in infrastructure and downtown revitalization. Upcoming projects include water system upgrades, such as a new section of main on Stage Road.
Residents are encouraged to visit and experience the improvements firsthand. Questions or feedback can be directed to Village Hall at 845-782-8341 or via email at mayor@villageofmonroe.org.
“This continues our downtown revitalization, our structure work, our infrastructure,” the mayor said. “It’s really some great work.”