Route 17 flood relief

LYNDHURST – Construction has begun on the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s largest flood control project ever in an effort to reduce flooding on Route 17 in East Rutherford and Rutherford. The three-phase project is a joint effort that also involves the County of Bergen and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
“This cooperative flood control project will have an enormous positive impact on the quality of life of thousands of commuters who use Route 17 on a daily basis, as well as nearby businesses and property owners,” Joseph Doria, Chairman of the NJMC and Commissioner of the state Department of Community Affairs said. “It is gratifying to see government agencies working together to bring long-needed flood relief to the area.”
Currently, moderate rainfall can flood sections of Route 17 and some surrounding properties. The NJMC flood control project is designed so that the highway will remain clear even when heavy rain falls during a high tide, a change that will improve the daily life of many residents, business owners and motorists in Southern Bergen County.
The first portion of the project, which began last week, includes the installation of a dozen culverts – most six feet wide – to help drain runoff. The number of tide gates will be doubled, to 10, to better control the tidal flow from the river. Old, clogged tide gates and damaged culverts will also be removed. The NJMC will fund this $4.5 million segment of the project at no cost to taxpayers.
The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division will help the NJMC clear two man-made ditches in the project’s second phase. Removing debris from the 1.5-mile-long ditches will allow stormwater to better drain from Route 17 and local roadways into Berry’s Creek and Berry’s Creek Canal. The equipment and operators provided by the Mosquito Division are expected to save the NJMC approximately $1 million on this phase.
The project’s final phase involves the NJDOT’s installation of three drainage pipes at the low point of Route 17, just south of Railroad Avenue, and the upgrade of the existing stormwater sewer system. Work on this aspect of the project is expected to begin later this year, at an anticipated cost of $375,000.
"The Route 17 improvements will reduce flooding and congestion, increase safety and extend the life of the roadway," NJDOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri said. "I look forward to working with the Meadowlands Commission to improve the quality of life for area residents."
“Each stage of this project is vital to its success as a whole,” said Robert Ceberio, Executive Director of the NJMC. “It is a true team effort, and we commend the County of Bergen and the NJDOT for their cooperation.”