Locals stuck in traffic during rush hour on Thursday, Oct. 15, due to an unplanned closure of South Orange Avenue, received an apology from Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo via his Facebook page on Friday.
The apology and explanation for the road closure read as follows:
As the South Orange Avenue project has progressed, we have tried to inform the public in advance of when the roadway will be closed. This enables people to plan alternate routes or allow for extra time. The closure on October 15th was not a “planned” event. The contractor working on the road had to move some equipment and closed the road so that could be done. We agree that doing that at afternoon rush hour was not the most appropriate time.
I am pleased to report that the project is reaching its conclusion. We will be closing the roadway at least one more time to complete paving – which will be announced through the media, on our website and via social media. There may also be some other closures to move equipment, and I am working with our Public Works Department to coordinate those so we can also notify the public and motorists ahead of time. When equipment is moved, the road will only be closed during the duration of the move.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Also on Friday, DiVincenzo’s office announced a planned closure for eastbound lanes on South Orange Avenue from Oct. 27-29. Find out more details about the planned closure here.
