The borough began the Grove Street utility project on May 19.
Construction will take place on Grove Street between Maple Avenue and Coles Mill Road. Phase one of the project will be paid for by the borough utility taxes and phase two will be completed by the county.
Phase one is the replacement of the water main with directional drilling. This process will limit the number of openings needed to be made in the concrete roadway.
During this phase, two lanes of traffic will be maintained. There may also be requests made by the contractor to put a clamp on some water service temporarily during the first two weeks. This temporary clamp will enable the contractor to receive a clear signal for all water service connections.
Installation of the water main is expected to begin May 26.
“This project will be an exercise in patience for everyone involved,” Commissioner John Moscatelli, director of public works, parks and property, said. “It has been a tough winter, and Grove Street has been seriously affected.”
In preparation for the road program, PSE&G will be replacing a section of its gas main from Lake Street to Glover. This will likely require traffic to close down to one lane with police direction.
Phase two is the reconfiguration and replacement of portions of the sewer main and is scheduled to begin around July 1.
The work will begin at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Grove Street. It is expected that the intersection will be closed to all through traffic for approximately 10 days during this time. Once this portion is completed, the work will move up to Lake Street and Grove Street. It is anticipated that the intersection will be closed for approximately five days.
“We are aware of potential traffic issues for the residents of Lake and Colonial,” Moscatelli said. “The police are currently evaluating the best route. Once this has been decided, a letter will be sent to all residents on these two streets.”
Grove Street will be closed to all through traffic during the sanitary sewer work, but will remain open to local traffic. Detours will be provided to alleviate some of the traffic expected to accumulate around the area.
“We understand that there may be some inconvenience to residents during this process,” Moscatelli said. “The goal of the project is to make Grove Street more drivable and safer for pedestrians. There will be traffic calming with medians, and the sidewalks and curbs will be reconstructed as well.”
Construction is expected to last about 100 days, with the completion set for mid-August, pending any weather delays.
