The only bridge providing access to a West Milford neighborhood is under construction, leaving residents unable to come and go when they want. (July 8, 2013)
WEST MILFORD - The only bridge providing access to a West Milford neighborhood is under construction, leaving residents unable to come and go when they want. The bridge is the only way in and out of the Setting Sun lakefront community, and officials have been allowing cars to cross at designated times. During the week, the bridge is closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Crews are providing access during two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch period during the day.
READ MORE: Transportation Stories Some residents are worried that first responders won't be able to get through if there's an emergency. Authorities say 911 dispatchers will have the cellphone number of the foreman in charge of the project, who will put metal plates over the opening so that police cars, firetrucks and ambulances can get through.
Resident Claude Cascioli says that might not be good enough.
"What if they can't do it quickly enough? If somebody has a heart attack? It's ridiculous," says Cascioli.
Town officials say they have adjusted the construction hours and tried to accommodate residents as much as possible. Garbage collection and package delivery has been rescheduled during non-construction hours.
The post office has suspended mail delivery completely to the community, forcing residents to pick up their mail at the post office. The entire project is expected to take several months.