Stream Crossing Improvements Proposed For Pleasant Valley Park

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A presentation to construct a culvert to alleviate flooding issues at Pleasant Valley Park was presented to the Bernards Township Committee on July 10.

French & Parrello Associates made the PowerPoint presentation proposing a few alternatives including constructing a bridge and bypass roadways to allow for access to the park during construction.

The 100-acre park is used by the township for concerts, sports and activities, yet there is only one way in and out of it.

The access point off of Valley Road is prone to flooding about 700 feet from entrance which causes vehicles to be stranded or to lose access to rest of the park.

"It's not in bad condition, it's just prone to flooding," said French & Parrello's Project Manager John Moore at the meeting.

Issues stemming from the flooding include damage to vehicles who try to cross the flooded area or freezing in the winter time.

"That area has the ability to flood rather quickly," John Serrano, a township resident said. "I've been there and within one hour and an hour and a half it can flood leaving people trapped on the other side and kids on bicycles also can't get around. This project is of necessity and safety."

Four alternative proposals were presented including adding a sidewalk for trail connectivity, creating a bypass to maintain traffic access at all time and creating a culvert with stone facing or formliner with timber guiderail to match the natural aesthetic of the parks property.

The proposed costs of each alternative range between $675,000 to $550,000 depending on the number of sidewalks, wetland mitigation and bypass placement.

Committeewoman Carol Bianchi was "surprised at the cost" of the proposals. Township Engineer Tom Timko noted that constructing a culvert is expensive but is the best option for the park.

If the committee chooses to move forward with the project Moore estimated that it would take about 120 days to go through the Department of Environmental Protection for wetland mitigation if needed and then about three months to complete the project.

The committee did not make a final decision at the meeting.

(Image via French & Parrello Associates PowerPoint presentation)

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