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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
A $2.2 million bridge-replacement project between Closter and Harrington Park that crosses over a section of the Oradell Reservoir is expected to prompt road closures and cause traffic detours and delays beginning Monday, June 11.
The bridge, known to some as as Seven Pipes Bridge, might be closed until Nov. 1, Harrington Park Police Department said in a traffic alert.
“Follow detours to Tappan Road or stay on Schraalenburgh Road for alternate routes. Blanch Avenue in Norwood will be closed between Livingston Street and West Street, Closter, for an undetermined amount of time,” police said.
The update concludes, “Your patience is appreciated during these roadway projects.”
Closter police explained the Knickerbocker Road, Harrington Avenue, and Livingston Street bridge crossing closing “means absolutely no traffic will pass through while this closure is in place.”
“The plan [for replacement] was for July 1 but unfortunately the state of the bridge was too dangerous,” police said. “Obviously we are going to experience major headaches including heavy congestion, lengthy delays and daily inconvenience.”
The best roads out of Closter will be Durie Avenue and High Street when traveling west, and Piermont Road for those going north and south.
“Unfortunately, there really isn’t a ‘good’ time to do this project. We will be adjusting things as we go so we kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding,” Closter police said.
The project to replace the bridge, constructed almost 40 years ago, is replacing seven corrugated metal pipes with three concrete box culverts that will span approximately 30 feet as it crosses the reservoir’s northeast corner.
County officials said replacing the “acute angles” of nearby intersecting roadways with two T-intersections will improve visibility, traffic flow, and motorist safety.
Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoelscher told Northern Valley Press the intersection has been prone to flooding and agreed the project is long overdue. He said some inconvenience was to be expected.
“We’ve been pleading for attention at that intersection. It’s kind of like a mixed blessing for us but it definitely needs to be done,” Hoelscher said.
For real-time updates on road closures, residents can sign up for Swiftreach and Nixle.
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More road closures, detours
Closter Police said that Knickerbocker Road resurfacing was likely to be completed at the end of the day June 8, but advised motorists and parents with children attending Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest to expect significant delays.
Police said that Knickerbocker Road south of Durie Avenue would be open that morning, with the preferred site for pickup and drop-off at the rear of the school, at Columbus Avenue.
Northvale Police on June 7 warned motorists that milling began on Overbrook, Birchwood, Snedeker, Campora, School, Glanz, and High streets.
“Paving will continue into next week,” the alert noted.
Police further advised residents on June 7 that, although the traffic light at Livingston and Paris streets had been repaired, a portion of Livingston Street was still without power. Orange and Rockland was effecting repairs at press time.