Bus Depot Construction Nears Finish Line

A bus depot currently being constructed at the Department of Public Works may be moved into by July 1, according to Washington Township School District transportation director Paul Henry.

Costing approximately , Henry said.

Members of the Department of Public Works cleared the space of equipment and debris prior to CB Structures of Holland, Pa. taking over to construct the building.

Aside from long-term savings–the board estimated in 2012 an annual cost efficiency of $115,000 would be realized–a time savings would also become more clear once the depot was in full service.

“Rather than taking the buses down to Trimmer Road (Califon) for service, drivers can just bring them to the same place where they’re already getting fuel,” Henry said. “It’ll be much more convenient.”

Department of Public Works Superintendent Scott Frech has been the unofficial overseer of the project, as he is on site daily. Frech, Henry and members of CB Structures have met every few weeks to go over status updates.

Now, Frech says, all sides are working with the utility companies to bring the building up to speed with electricity and gas with an expected full completion date of mid- to late-June.

The depot will be staffed by three full time mechanics, and the district is still undergoing the interview and hiring process, Henry said.

“The drivers are looking forward to it,” Henry said. “It’s going to be a quicker turnaround and we’ll have more control of what’s going on and how things are done.”

Up to eight buses can be stationed at the depot during inspection time, but only buses needing repair or maintenance will be parked at the facility, Henry told the planning board in 2012. The bus lot on the Long Valley Middle School property will still be the primary location for the vehicles.

Allowing buses from surrounding districts to be serviced at the Rock Road depot, which would generate revenue, has been discussed, but no action has been taken.

The measure is considered a shared service between the Washington Township School District and municipality.