Repair on bridge may begin

Resolution to be voted on at Township Council meeting Monday

By: Emily Holody
   Three months after a storm damaged the Petty Road Bridge and forced officials to close it, construction may begin soon.
   The Township Committee is expected to vote Monday to award a contract for the bridge work, said Township Engineer Cathy Marcelli.
   Residents wishing to use the Petty Road bridge have been forced to find alternative routes since April 16 when 7 inches of rain damaged the bridge and caused a number of areas in the township to flood.
   Because the majority of the damaged bridge is located in Cranbury, Plainsboro Township is not responsible for paying repair bills. Cranbury Police Chief Jay Hansen originally contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding money to pay for the bridge.
   After a field inspection conducted on June 8, FEMA determined that the township is eligible for money.
   Ms. Marcelli has said that repairs will cost over $50,000 and that the grant will cover the full cost of construction.
   However, she said, the township will not know whether the grant is approved until private contractors give an estimate of the exact cost of repairs.
   Private contractors cannot be hired until Monday’s resolution is passed.
   If the resolution does not pass with enough committee votes, Ms. Marcelli said, "The work won’t get done."