Summer paved with road projects in Verona

The rest of the summer will be a busy time for Verona roads, and not just from traffic.

The local streets will undergo a number of construction projects in the coming weeks.

Pompton Avenue will be the largest road to be renovated, with work expected to start on Monday, July 24. The construction will start on Pompton near the intersection with Claremont Avenue and continue into Cedar Grove, Little Falls and Wayne, according to Township Manager Matthew Cavallo. 

“It includes all new traffic signals, a road diet in several parts in Cedar Grove and Little Falls, updated drainage and repaving of the entire street,” Cavallo said.

A "road diet" cited by Cavallo refers to a reduction in the number of travel lanes or roadway width to improve safety for all road users, including those who drive, walk or cycle, according to the Together North Jersey organization that has studied local roadways in recent years. 

Signage will go up to mark the work, but the first week in Verona will only include surveying and will not disrupt traffic, the manager said.

In the coming weeks, Cavallo said he will have an update on any lane or road closures, but that the paving and milling of Pompton is expected to take place at night. 

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While Pompton Avenue may be the most prominent road on the maintenance schedule, it is far from the only.

Claremont Avenue was already repaved, with new stop signs installed at every intersection approaching it.

Fairview Avenue is also in the midst of gas-line replacement that is slated to be completed before schools reopen in September, Cavallo said.

In the same area, Sampson Drive will receive new sidewalks. 

Lakeside Avenue also received additional signage, including more speed-limit signs and a crosswalk at Pease Avenue. Pease was the location where an expecting mother was struck by a car and killed in March. 

Mayor Kevin Ryan asked residents for their patience during any construction: “Verona’s going to experience its own, it’s a little dramatic to say ‘summer of hell,’ but I think the one thing that’s positive is once we get through this, I think we’re all going to be in better shape for a few years.”

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com