East-West Connector Will Close Next Week

By Patch Editor Jessica Mazzola

The "back-to-the-grind" Monday after a long Fourth of July weekend may bring extra frustration to many residents as two major roadwork projects are set to start that day.

About a week after news broke that a county roadwork project will shut down a section of Route 202 for several days starting next Monday, the township announced another roadwork project is set to start the same day.

A major roadwork project on West Airmount Road is set to start on July 8. The work will close the roadway between Island Road and Franklin Turnpike for about two months, township officials announced in a release.

The road itself will only be open to local traffic, and the closure will affect access to some residences and businesses in the area, the announcement said. There will also be “No Parking” signs posted throughout the area of the construction.

The project is a hefty one, and is taking up most of the township’s budget for the 2013 road improvement program. Engineers say it’ll cost Mahwah about $770,000 to have a corroded underground pipe underneath the roadway replaced, relocate water and gas pipes, repair the sanitary sewer line, and repave the road. 

At previous meetings discussing the roadwork, town council members have voiced concerns about the project blocking one of the only east-west connections in Mahwah. Officials said part of the roadwork contract stipulates that the road must be reopened by September 1, before the 2013-14 school year starts.

The town’s release also included the following disclaimer:

“All work will be completed as quickly as possible. Any questions or specific concerns you may have can be addressed by contacting Mr. Michael F. Nannini, Boswell McClave Engineering, at 201-373-8903. We apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing due to the construction activities and appreciate your cooperation.”

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