Bridge Street improvement project is a winner
By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
STOCKTON — It wasn’t easy, and it sure wasn’t cheap, but in the end, the Bridge Street improvement project turned out to be an award winner.
The Hunterdon County Planning Board recognized the project with one of two inaugural transportation awards in the 18th annual Planning and Design Awards. The awards were presented March 31 at the Holiday Inn Select in Clinton.
The $2.25 million project was completed last fall.
Funding was provided by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in a grant from its Compact Authorized Investment Program.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation supplemented funding with a $35,000 municipal aid grant.
The result of the project is “a significant enhancement to the functionality, safety and beauty of the street for both pedestrians and vehicles, for residents and visitors and for current and prospective businesses and stakeholders,” according to the borough’s award application.
”This was a project that considered the elements that define the quality of life in Stockton Borough and retained and improved them for today and tomorrow. Residents, business owners, town officials and visitors seem to all agree — Bridge Street is safer and looks spectacular. Put simply, in the eyes of the community, the area looks like it ‘should,’ and it functions.”
Despite the scope of the project and some delays, the project came in on time and within the budget. Several agencies had to be consulted because of the proximity of the project to protected waterways and historic areas.
The project is near the Delaware and Raritan Canal and recreational path. It also drew a look from the state Historic Preservation Office because of the possibility there could have been Indian artifacts in the area. Archaeological oversight was required.
Improvements included a portion of Mill Street, all of North Railroad Avenue and approximately 800 feet of Bridge Street.
Most of the work occurred on Bridge Street, from Route 29 to the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
The roadway was reconstructed, bluestone sidewalks and curbs were added, and storm drainage improvements were put in.
Also among the additions were pedestrian crosswalks, handicapped ramps and pedestrian lighting.
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