$100K Lehigh Tunnel Makeover to Start After School

Cranford's Lehigh Avenue pedestrian tunnel will soon be a less leaky, well-lit and puddle-free pathway for Hillside Avenue students.

The specific work entails relining the pipework with epoxy to prevent water from leaking onto pedestrians in the tunnel, many of them students traveling to Hillside Avenue Elementary School, said Mayor Mark Smith.

Other work for the approximately $100,000 project includes additional lighting and improved drainage in the tunnel.

Funding for the project was approved in last year's capital budget and work is slated to begin just after the school year ends.

The township committee approved a resolution for the town clerk to authorize advertisement for bids for the project at an official committee meeting in January.

The timing of the project is designed to have little to no effect on Hillside Avenue students who often utilize the pedestrian tunnel to commute to and from school.

Smith hopes the project will be completed prior to the students returning to school in the fall.

Curt Fogas, principal of Hillside Avenue Elementary, lauded the township for their commitment to addressing the concerns brought forth by students and parents regarding the tunnel.

"Kudos to the township. We're ecstatic," Fogas said. "The tunnel is a nice way for the students to get to and from school."

While the town has done an admirable job of maintaining the tunnel when problems arise, he said, now is the time for more comprehensive repairs.

"It's historic, but it's old and in need of some TLC," he said.

Fogas was also pleased with the town's decision to perform the repairs during the summer session, when the tunnel is primarily used to access athletic and playgrounds at the school.

"Certainly the traffic is much lighter in the summer," he said. "We're anxious to see the repairs take place."

Any pedestrians who normally use the tunnel will have to detour and walk along Centennial Avenue.