Another $8M Approved Toward Bridgewater's 5-Year Road Plan

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — For the fourth year in a row, the Township Council gave the green light to invest another $8 million into Bridgewater's $40 million five-year road improvement plan.

The Council, with the exception of Councilman Filipe Pedroso, all voted in favor of approving a bond ordinance to appropriate $8 million for the 2024 Road Plan at the March 7 meeting.

"As you know it is critically important to take this action as relatively early as possible. It allows us to jump the line or get in line fastest compared to other municipalities who may have similar projects," said Councilman Michael Kirsh referring to going out to bid on road projects. "By taking this action here in March we should be, hopefully, in good condition to have these roads completed before the cold season."

Mayor Matthew Moench noted that improving roadways in the township "improves the quality of life dramatically for many of our residents. So thank you to the Council for moving this and I look forward to getting the road projects done this year."

Since the road plan was implemented in 2020, the Township has repaved 200 roads, which are equal to 30 percent of all Bridgewater roads.

The roads listed in this ordinance include:

• Acron Drive
• Jamestown Road
• Berwick Road
• North Avenue
• Candlewick Lane
• Love Road
• Star View Way
• Lakeview Drive
• Somerset Avenue
• Birch Hill Drive
• Perrine Road

Pedroso said he voted no to the ordinance based on his concerns to approve a bond before the township budget is finalized.

Kirsh added that he spoke with the Township Chief Finance Officer William Pandos about the township's finances and his opinion on passing the bond.

"I asked him the simple and straightforward question, 'Are our finances in such a condition that he is confident that we can absorb the interest responsibly?... His answer was an empathic yes," said Kirsh.

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