CRANFORD, NJ — A special meeting was held July 28 in Cranford to adopt a resolution authorizing a change order in connection to the 2015 paving project.
The project consists of roadway and sidewalk improvements including the construction of accessible curb ramps, reconstruction of curbs, concrete and hot mix asphalt driveways, full-depth pavement repairs, milling and resurfacing, traffic striping, resetting of existing inlet castings with minor upgrades and other improvements. The construction began prior to Oct. 15, 2015 and a portion of the roadways were required to be completed prior to cold weather.
The remainder of the projects were to be completed between the spring and summer of 2016. Also discussed at the special meeting during a closed session was a legal matter entitled, “Cranford Development Associates, LLC et als. v. Township of Cranford et als.”
“At the meeting, The Township Committee approved a change order to pave Orange Avenue,” said Township Administrator Terence Wall. “The paving began last week, the first week in August, and it will be completed prior to the beginning of the school year.”
Contract documents and drawings for the proposed work were prepared by Township Engineer Carl O’Brien. The 2014 paving project was delayed until 2015 due to weather conditions. Due to the delay, Commissioner Thomas H. Hannen requested that macadam costs be obtained because he felt the cost should be lower due to the decline in price of oil. O’Brien stated that he would review the contractor’s bid proposal and report back to the Township Committee. Roadway pavement and reconstruction work recommendations are made by the township engineer, and are based on road surface condition and traffic volume. The roads to be repaved or reconstructed are determined by the Township Committee and funded in the capital budget. During construction, the township engineer or appointed representative may require additional conditions as deemed necessary to provide a safe environment for the residents.
“The 2016 paving project will have bids received this week,” O’Brien told LocalSource. “We are anticipating making a recommendation for award at the August meeting. Should this be awarded at the August meeting, we anticipate the construction of these roadways to begin in September. Also, we are working with the gas and water companies to pave roadways this fall as well. The paving of Orange Avenue handicapped ramps began on Monday, Aug. 8. The roadway is scheduled to be paved prior to the start of school, weather permitting.”
Several projects were completed during the later part of 2015. Paving was done in the area of North Lehigh and Centennial avenues, the area of Willow Street in between Brookside Avenue and West End Place, and North Union Avenue from Elizabeth to Lenox avenues. Construction took place in the area of Brookside Avenue and Brown Terrace as well as in the area of North Avenue and Alden Street. Utility work was completed on the 200 block of Columbia Avenue and in the area of North Avenue and North Union Avenue. Police issued an advisory via a Nixle alert.
Mayor Andis Kalnins did not return LocalSource’s request for comment on the meeting and roadway and sidewalk improvements.
Current projects include Hillside Avenue School tunnel repair, reconstruction of curb and sidewalk along Centennial Avenue, 2015 Resurfacing Project and North Avenue Station Plaza pedestrian improvements. Due to the recent construction, motorists encountered detours and delays.