Bridge Project Almost Done ... Weather Pending

The on East Valley Brook Road continues to progress, and is expected to wrap up soon if the weather cooperates, according to Washington Township Police Sgt. Doug Compton.

The project, and was estimated to be complete around May 2, has been hampered by rainy days and uncooperative weather patterns.

“(Project foreman) Dave Pierce said they’re basically writing this week off because of the rain,” said Compton. “All they really need is two or three more good weather days, and they’ll be able to wrap it up.”

The workers for Konkus Corporation, the construction company overseeing the project, will be finishing stone work on the front and back of the bridge this week, but require the dry weather days for the area to be milled and paved, Compton said.

With the unexpected time overage, the road continues to stay closed to through traffic, and residents who live on either side of the bridge have had to detour using Old Farmers and Parker Roads, in addition to Route 513.

“Everything has been smooth,” said Paul Henry, Director of Transportation for Washington Township Schools and West Morris Regional High School. “Parents were notified early on and it really hasn’t been an issue. Everyone’s adapted very well.”

But because of the detour, the students on the road required three additional vans to transport them to and from school, which required additional cost to the district for drivers and fuel, which currently sits at a three-year high.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $540,000. While the extra time to complete the project may increase costs for so many parties involved, the deadline to complete the reconstruction is July 1. Once the work is done and meets requirements, the road will be opened to all traffic.