Westwood Officials Authorize Spending for Post-Irene Road Fixes

Westwood council members approved a resolution Tuesday to spend $16,030 to repair two borough roads that were damaged after Hurricane Irene hit the area.

The more extensive damage is on Sand Road near the intersection of Harrington Avenue, which has been estimated to cost $12,130 to repair. According to Borough Engineer Stephen Boswell, the matter is urgent.

"The road will continue to rapidly deteriorate if this isn't addressed," he said. "The road is failing at this point."

Boswell said he believes the damage was caused during Irene when the storm sewer collapsed and failed underneath the roadway. He said Tuesday that the sewer line had not yet been compromised, but recommended repairing the road before further damage is incurred.

The other repair is on Dean Street, which is expected to cost $3,900. Councilman William Phayre said a 30-foot by 60-foot area of surface blacktop was destroyed by flooding and needs to be remediated before the cold weather hits.

Borough Administrator Robert Hoffmann said that there is $30,466 in leftover funds from a road repaving ordinance in 2008 that will be used for the repairs. The borough does not have to go out to bid for the fixes since they fall under the bid threshold, Hoffmann added.

Boswell said the borough might be able to recover some of the money from FEMA, but the initial payment has to be made from Westwood.

Councilwoman Cynthia Waneck abstained from the vote and the remainder of the council members voted in favor of the measure.

The next Westwood council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 4.