Politics & Government

County Building New Patterson Street Bridge

Construction on a new bridge on Patterson Street in Hillsdale is expected to start this summer.

Bergen County is expected to begin a long-awaited project this year to build a new bridge on Patterson Street in Hillsdale.

Hillsdale Mayor Max Arnowitz said the project has been anticipated for years, as the old bridge has been deteriorating. Holes in the bridge were recently patched with metal and, during Hurricane Floyd, pressure from passing water in the Pascack Brook actually make the bridge sway, he said.

The new bridge will be slightly higher and built to allow water to pass under it more smoothly. The updated design may also help alleviate some flooding, accordig to Arnowitz.

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"It should help flooding a little, but it's not the panacea that's going to stop all flooding in that area," Arnowitz said.

Borough Engineer Chris Statile said he expects the county will begin the $1.7 million project in June or July and work will last between six months and one year. The project is being fully funded by the county and Department of Transportation.

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The new bridge will be built in a slightly different location, eliminating the sharp right turn for drivers crossing to reach Washington Avenue. The old bridge will not be demolished until the new one is built, allowing emergency vehicles and pedestrians to continue crossing during construction, Statile said.

Residents will not be able to use the bridge during the project, but the one-way section of Beechwood Avenue will be temporarily widened for two lanes during the work.

Washington Avenue will be repaved and new sidewalks will be installed as part of the project, according to Statile.

Arnowitz also noted that the construction will not affect the annual Pascack Brook fishing contest.

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