Journey with me as we explore Dowd Avenue in Elizabeth New Jersey. This major thoroughfare has a story that stretches back through time. Let’s uncover its secrets.
Dowd Avenue is not just any street. It’s a 1.05-mile stretch that plays a vital role in Elizabeth. It serves the residential district connecting people and places.
Originally known as Humboldt Avenue, Dowd Avenue has undergone quite a transformation. The New Jersey State Highway Department used to maintain it. Back then, it was an alignment of Route 164.
Imagine Route 164 stretching along Humboldt Avenue after the 1953 state highway renumbering. It remained until sometime between 1957 and 1969. The city then took over. Later, Humboldt Avenue was renamed Dowd Avenue. The alignment became a frontage road for Route 81 Expressway.
Dowd Avenue starts at Trumbull Street and New Point Road. It heads northward. The street crosses between two railroad lines. It passes under overpasses that once served rail lines.
Paralleling the New Jersey Turnpike, Dowd Avenue goes under another railroad. It enters a small community in Elizabeth’s southeast. The avenue continues northward. It intersects with Schiller Street. This is the community’s main street.
Leaving the community, Dowd Avenue turns northwest. It passes under the twelve lanes of the turnpike south of Interchange 13A. Continuing north, Dowd Avenue runs parallel to the turnpike. It goes through a large industrial area.
Wakefern Food Corporation is among the industries served. Dowd Avenue intersects with Evans Street a two-lane road that soon dead-ends. Entering central Elizabeth, it runs alongside Route 81. Dowd Avenue reaches North Avenue. Here, it merges with the Route 81 interchange. This marks its northern end.
The history of Dowd Avenue dates back to its time as Humboldt Avenue and Route 164. Route 164 appeared after the 1953 renumbering. Maps by Rand McNally stopped showing Route 164 after 1955. However, state logs still listed it past 1957. By 1969, the New Jersey State Highway Department decommissioned Route 164.
In 1982, Route 81 opened. This freeway parallels the former Route 164 alignment.
Dowd Avenue’s major intersections include Trumbull Street at its southern end. The northern terminus provides access to the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 81. Route 81 heads north to US 1-9.
Today, Dowd Avenue stands as a testament to Elizabeth’s evolving landscape. It connects communities and industries. It bears the marks of history. Next time you travel Dowd Avenue remember its past.