Princeton Avenue Road Conditions Prompt Anger In Brick

BRICK, NJ — For months drivers have grappled with bumpy, uneven pavement and traffic closures on Princeton Avenue, the result of work from utility companies.

In response to rising complaints about the ongoing disruptions, Brick Township officials put out a statement on June 26 acknowledging the frustrations and providing some details on the situation.

Princeton Avenue is a county road, meaning any construction that involves opening the road, patching or paving it is overseen by Ocean County officials.

Brick officials said there have been multiple projects involving various utilities companies digging up the road. But it's the most recent project, one involving the Brick MUA, that has caused the most issues and complaints.

In March Princeton Avenue was closed from Jordan/Midstreams Road to Parker Avenue. The closure, which was for work on water pipes that were 14 feet deep, was anticpated to last about two weeks but dragged on for about five weeks.

According to Brick officials, when that was nearly completed by contractor CJ Hesse, the Brick MUA submitted a late request to replace 11 manhole castings, which are the frame and cover for the holes that allow access to pipes under the road.

"The County reluctantly agreed, but the timing caused significant scheduling issues as the contractor’s crews were already preparing to demobilize," Brick officials said.

Crews then discovered there was an issue with the grading in the area, called a "grade bust," which is when the existing elevations of installed utilities and concrete do not align properly.

That issue was under investigation last week. Messages from Patch to both Brick Township and Ocean County officials seeking an update had not been answered as of Tuesday afternoon.

Brick Township officials said they had been told by Ocean County's engineer that the county was hoping to have the work finished by this Friday, July 4, but storms and other complications were making it difficult to meet that deadline.

CJ Hesse crews were told their equipment must be removed from Windward Beach Park by last Friday, officials said.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share any updates we receive from the County. Like our residents, we are eager to see this long and difficult project come to an end," officials said.