By Frank Mustac, Special Writer
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — With plans by Mercer County moving forward to reconstruct two culvert bridges on the north and south ends of River Drive in Titusville, township officials may be looking to get input from residents about whether to reopen River Drive near the bridges.
Paul Pogorzelski, the township’s administrator/engineer, told Township Committee members recently that the county is working through a permitting process. The expectation, he said, is that construction would start “certainly within the next year.”
The two old stone bridges owned by the county were closed after suffering structural damage from the effects of Hurricane Irene back in August 2011. The permitting applications involve a historic review at the state level, Mr. Pogorzelski said by phone on July 20.
“I think they’re expecting to receive all their permits this year,” he said.
Back in 2013, a number of residents of historic Titusville village requested that the township keep at least the southern end of River Drive closed to prevent cut-through traffic by motorists traveling through the village to and from nearby Washington Crossing State Park.
Speaking at the July 13 Township Committee meeting, Mr. Pogorzelski reminded committee members that in 2013, emergency responders requested that the north end of River Drive be reopened once the bridge there was reconstructed so a boat ramp near the area could be accessed more easily.
“The question is now, do we re-engage to have those conversations again [with residents] about formally closing upper River Drive,” Mr. Pogorzelski said at the committee meeting.
Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom said that residents in 2013 suggested a “number of alternatives” regarding the bridge and road closings. She recommended that the Township Committee host a meeting soon for residents to offer their opinions.
“I do think it makes sense to have a noticed meeting at this point,” Ms. Sandom said.
The committee is set to meet again on July 27, and may bring up the matter again then.
