Most of the money will come from a $100,000 grant from the New Jersey State Department of Transportation.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE The City Council has given final approval for the reconstruction of the eastern portion of Ferry Street at a cost of $160,000.
The lion’s share of the funds will come from a $100,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Approximately $110,000 will go toward the cost of construction. Another $35,000 is earmarked for engineering services, surveying and inspections. The balance is built into the project’s cost to cover any unexpected expense.
The reconstruction of the eastern portion of Ferry Street will extend from Union Street to Main Street. Plans call for improvements to the road’s drainage and the replacement of curbing. Also, where needed, the work will include the replacement of concrete sidewalks, aprons and pavement reconstruction.
The project is necessary because of the normal wear incurred over the years. Reconstruction of the western portion of Ferry from Union Street to the towpath of the Delaware and Raritan Canal will be paid for by part of a grant received from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in September.
The commission awarded the city $1.56 million to fund three improvement projects in the area of the New Hope-Lambertville bridge. More than $1.24 million will go toward the city’s plan to calm and control traffic, and $158,000 is earmarked for the reconstruction of the western part of Ferry Street. An additional $160,000 will fund improvements to Mount Hope Street from the canal to South Union Street and improve access to Bridge Street.
The commission grant combined with the DOT grant could mean a savings for the city as it prepares for the refurbishment of Ferry Street, according to Mayor David Del Vecchio.
"This means that we’ll be able to do it with one contractor and get a good price and refurbish the street and keep improving the neighborhood, which people are already investing in," Mayor Del Vecchio said.
Public Works Director Paul Cronce said no schedule is available yet for the work, but he hopes plans can be drawn up in the near future. After that, the city intends to hold public hearings to solicit comment and input form residents. No dates for the public meetings have been set.