County Awards Grants To Local Businesses Impacted by Clarksville Road Bridge Closure

WEST WINDSOR, NJ — Mercer County has awarded grants to 14 small businesses affected by the closure and reconstruction of the Clarksville Road (CR 638) Bridge in West Windsor Township

The grants, each worth $10,000, were distributed through the Mercer County Small Business Grant 2026 Program, which was funded with $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. A 15th and final eligible business is expected to complete the application process this week.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Mercer’s local economy. However, a small number of local West Windsor businesses have faced more than their share of hardships," County Executive Dan Benson said. "From the pandemic to the recent closure of NJDOT's Clarksville Bridge, these businesses are trying to stay strong despite these hurdles. Using the County's remaining pandemic relief funds, we're proud to provide this one-time assistance so these local businesses continue serving the West Windsor community."

The targeted assistance program was created to help businesses located near the bridge closure offset financial losses caused by reduced customer access and traffic disruptions during construction. County officials noted that many small businesses were still recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when the bridge project created additional challenges for the local commercial corridor.

The reconstruction of the Clarksville Road Bridge over the Amtrak rail line is expected to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance public safety, and restore a critical connection in West Windsor Township. Mercer County officials said they will continue working with state agencies, Amtrak, municipal leaders, local businesses, and project partners throughout the construction process.

“The Clarksville Road Bridge is one of the most important transportation connections in West Windsor. Many of our residents rely on it every day to access the Princeton Junction train station and travel throughout our region,” Commissioner Vice Chair Cathleen Lewis said. “While we can't eliminate every challenge created by the closure, I'm proud that, working alongside the County Executive, we were able to lessen the burden on these local businesses during construction.