JERSEY CITY, NJ — Today, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy provided the following statement regarding the River Road improvement project in North Hudson County:
“As a driver and lifelong Hudson County resident, I understand and appreciate the annoyance many motorists and residents are experiencing due to the ongoing resurfacing work on River Road. This project is a critical part of our long-term effort to improve roadway safety, extend the life of the pavement, and create a smoother, more reliable driving experience for everyone who travels through our community.
“On the afternoon of Friday, October 3, I drove to River Road to survey the project and speak with concerned residents and business owners. I also spoke directly with the mayors and top police officials of the affected municipalities in an effort to better streamline and coordinate traffic flow.
“To say that I have been disappointed with the efforts of the project’s contractor would be an understatement and I strongly expressed my dissatisfaction to them. Hudson County will continue to hold the contractor accountable to ensure this project is completed in a safe, timely, and efficient manner while minimizing disruption as much as possible for residents, business owners, and drivers.
“We recognize that construction has created frustrating delays and inconvenience. That’s why our team is working closely with the contractor and local municipalities to take proactive steps to reduce congestion and maintain safe, steady traffic flow. These steps include:
- Adjusting work schedules to limit peak-hour lane closures
- Deploying additional traffic control personnel where backups are heaviest
- Better coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services to keep access open and response times quick
“It is important for residents to know that once roadwork is complete, River Road will return to a four-lane roadway – two lanes for northbound traffic and two lanes for southbound traffic – with a middle turn lane. Assuming there are no weather delays, we hope to complete this project in the next five or six business days.
“Replacing the current bike lanes, there will also be a protected two-lane bicycle track on the northbound side of River Road to serve the growing number of cyclists in the area. This will in no way reduce the number of vehicular lanes or hinder traffic and is in keeping with my Vision Zero pledge to end fatalities on our roads.
“Despite the setbacks, we are very excited about the roadway upgrades this project will bring. We encourage all drivers to allow extra travel time, obey posted speed limits and detours, and look out for workers as they complete this important improvement.”