Community Corner

Summer Bridge Repairs Subject Of Long Valley Public Meeting

On May 25, the township will hold an informational meeting to discuss the upcoming Schooley's Mountain Road bridge repair work.

On May 25, the township will hold an informational meeting to discuss the upcoming Schooley's Mountain Road bridge repair work.
On May 25, the township will hold an informational meeting to discuss the upcoming Schooley's Mountain Road bridge repair work. (Shutterstock)

LONG VALLEY, NJ — As Morris County prepares to repair the South Branch bridge on Schooley's Mountain Road this summer, officials warn that traffic jams and lengthy detours through Long Valley are possible.

To keep all residents up to date on the upcoming construction, the township will hold an informational meeting on May 25 to discuss the upcoming Schooley's Mountain Road bridge repair work.

Washington Township officials will hold an open public meeting at Town Hall, 43 Schooley's Mountain Road, in collaboration with the Morris County Engineering Department. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mayor Matt Murello has stated that he will stream the meeting live on his Facebook page for those who are unable to attend.

According to Murello, the work is planned to begin around June 1st under the structure. For the first two weeks, the bridge will remain open for both northbound and southbound traffic.

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The bridge will close to southbound traffic on June 16 and remain open to northbound traffic. This will continue until the project's final three weeks, from Aug. 1 to August 23, when the bridge will be completely closed for the final phase of construction.

"I have assurances from the county and the project team that the detours and closures related to this project will not occur until after school is out and will be completed before the first day of school in August," Murello said.

Detours will be in place throughout the town, but all businesses, parks, and municipal facilities will remain open and accessible. During construction, temporary traffic lights will be installed to redirect traffic south through that area of town, and additional police officers will be stationed in the area to assist as needed.

According to officials, this three-month project is required to maintain the bridge's structural integrity.

"We ask that everyone give themselves additional time and be patient while the county works to repair the bridge. Please plan alternate routes for this summer as needed through this area and remember that there is full access to everything in town," Murello said. "And again, please be patient until everyone gets used to the new temporary traffic patterns."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here