Community Corner

S. Park Street Construction Project Enters 15th Week

But when will road paving be completed?

 

The much-anticipated $1 million South Park Street redevelopment project entered its 15th week today.

Over the past few days, the sidewalk on the west side of the street has been completed up to the at 14 South Park Street. Handicap ramps on Bloomfield Avenue also have been completed and work has begun on bump-out construction.

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This week, that bump-out work will continue on Church Street at the southwest corner (Starbucks) and southeast corner (Chez Renee) intersection of South Park and Church streets. Work may also continue on the curb along the west side of the street, according to an update released by the Township of Montclair today.

But township officials say they still aren't sure when South Park Street will be opened up again to vehicular traffic between Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue.

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Indeed, road paving won't begin until the curbing work and bump-outs are completed.

But progress on the overall project has been made.

The South Park Street project contractor has finished the majority of the colored concrete work on the east side of the street. PSE&G has removed street lighting and the Fire Department has installed temporary lighting. All businesses have remained open with pedestrian access provided at all times.

Even so, the project continues to be several weeks behind schedule due to recent weather and utility issues.

The South Park Street project—designed to extend the feel of Church Street all the way to Bloomfield Avenue—was originally expected to be completed by July 1, 2012.

In late May, Township Manager Marc Dashield told township council members that South Park Street most likely would be fully closed—instead of partially closed—for only three weeks.

The street was closed to vehicular traffic on May 29.

The township broke ground in late March on South Park Street streetscape improvements intended to add a new center median, wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, a midblock crosswalk, and roadway resurfacing.

For background on the project, go 

What do you think of the South Park Street project? Does it look like progress is being made? Let us know in the comments section below.


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