Five Union County Bridges Slated for Upgrades

Union County announced five bridges have been approved for upgrades, beginning in the next couple of years.

Many bridges and culverts in Union County were constructed decades ago for lighter vehicular traffic and when safety protocols were not fully developed. Union County said it prioritizes upgrades in consultation with state and federal transportation agencies.

At a Feb. 19 meeting, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved upgrades for the following five bridges:

• Netherwood Avenue and Wells Road (Plainfield/North Plainfield, over Green Brook), construction expected to begin in spring 2017.
• East Hazelwood Avenue and Main Street (Rahway, over the Rahway River), construction expected in summer 2016.
• Mountain Avenue and Sherbrook Drive (Berkeley Heights, over a stream), construction expected in summer 2016.
• Martine Avenue and Mary Ellen Lane (Scotch Plains, over a stream), construction expected in summer 2016.
• Central Avenue and Clover Street (Westfield, over a stream), construction expected in summer 2016.

Six previously approved bridge and culvert projects will begin in Summit, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Rahway, the county said. Additionally, road resurfacing projects are scheduled for county roads in Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Fanwood, Kenilworth, Rahway, Roselle, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit and Westfield.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders also approved three intersection improvements in Summit, scheduled to begin this spring, bringing the total number slated for this year to 11, the county said. The eight other intersections are in Hillside, Union, Westfield, Garwood, Elizabeth and Roselle Park.

For more information, visit the Union County Road Construction Update page.