WEST WINDSOR, NJ — A major bridge closure has reached the one-year mark, and West Windsor officials are demanding action as residents continue facing lengthy detours.
In a Monday press release, Mayor Hemant Marathe and the Township Council called for immediate intervention to reopen the Clarksville Road Bridge (County Route 638), which crosses Amtrak tracks.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation began bridge deck repairs Oct. 20, but work on the underlying structure remains unscheduled, according to the township.
Officials said the closure diverts more than 15,000 vehicles daily, disrupting West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District transportation, emergency services and local businesses.
"For 365 days, our community has felt the severe impact of this closure every single day," Marathe said.
He added that residents continue experiencing disruptions and increased emergency response times despite repairs beginning.
Council President Sonia Gawas said the situation has reached a "critical, unsustainable breaking point."
As Patch previously reported, the Township Council approved Resolution 2026-R199 in September urging officials to expedite Amtrak's safety reviews, permit approvals and track access needed for repairs.
Council Vice President Andrea Mandel said the project still lacks a definitive completion date or timeline for reopening even one lane.
Township officials are calling on Gov. Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to intervene.
Residents can follow the township's Clarksville Road Bridge updates or email ClarksvilleBridgeUpdate@westwindsortwp.gov for information.
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