PASCACK VALLEY—Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali alerted residents on June 14 that “We were recently shocked to hear that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority is planning to begin a major bridge repair project along the Garden State Parkway in Montvale and Woodcliff Lake later this year.”
He said the work is extensive and will require temporary closures on Grand Avenue, Summit Avenue, and on the southbound ramp from Grand Avenue onto the Garden State Parkway.
According to Ghassali, the project is scheduled to be put out to bid in July, with work to commence this fall.
The mayor said there is “a possibility of ramp closure and traffic disruption from 1.5 to 2.5 years and the work might not start until later in 2024. What makes the situation more complex is that Exit 171 continues to be ‘no right turn’ and only a referendum approved by the borough of Woodcliff Lake residents can make the change.”
Ghassali said, “We have been in contact with the Turnpike Authority, the county, and our state senator [Holly Schepisi], and we are doing everything in our power to minimize the disruption and impact to our residents.”
He said, “We will remain in constant contact with the Turnpike Authority and the county to ensure that any lane closures, ramp closures, detours or other traffic impacts will be clearly communicated to our residents well in advance of any planned construction.”
Ghassali said, “This is a fluid situation and as soon as I have any additional information, I will provide updates on the Borough website, Facebook, and on Montvale TV Access.”