Hillside Tunnel Reopened, Another Closure Ahead

The Hillside Avenue tunnel reopened on Thursday morning, but another closure will have to take place soon, according to Township Administrator Joe Hartnett.

The tunnel will need to be closed once again for 8 to 10 days to install the permanent lining of the tunnel and a walkway, Harnett said. Currently, the tunnel is lined with a temporary wooden walkway.

Students and parents can now safely make it to and from Hillside Avenue School using the tunnel as the Township awaits the final go ahead to complete the lining from Conrail.

The lining has already been delivered and is in Cranford, so the Township just needs the final word from Conrail before the work can continue.

The tunnel, also known as Kanishka Passage, was originally scheduled for completion prior to the first day of school, but was delayed as the township waited for the special order piping, Mayor Tom Hannen had said.

Closure of the tunnel also caused some students to cross the train tracks during the first few days of school since they could not make their way through the passage. Cranford Police immediately announced this and parents were warned of the dangers.