New Hillside Ave. Culvert Could Take Two Months, County Says

Work began Monday on the culvert replacement on Hillside Avenue, closing the road for possibly as long as two months, according to Union County's road construction website.

The 87-year-old culvert, a small bridge-like structure that allows water to flow beneath the roadway, is being replaced by Union County. In June, NJToday.net reported that about 40 feet of the roadway will be removed and replaced at a projected cost of $516,265. Because wildlife uses the river, workers will recreate a natural streambed inside the culvert.  

The contractor for the project is Colonnelli Brothers of Hackensack. Construction could continue for two months, according to Union County's road construction website, and due to the nature of the work, the road will remain closed for the duration of the project.

According to the website, a clearly marked detour route will be established and maintained by the contractor. Emergency vehicles will not be allowed through the work zone and should plan accordingly. Access to residences, including deliveries and other services, in the work zone will be allowed as much as possible, the site states.

On the site, the County apologized for the inconvenience and stated that it would "make every effort to have the work completed as soon as possible."

Union County has a land area of about 100 square miles that include in excess of 172 miles of county-owned and maintained roads and more than 470 bridges and culverts, according to the website.