West Windsor has awarded a contract to Vangelis Construction of Edison to build the bridge over Big Bear Brook that will be part of the long-awaited pedestrian and bike trail along the PSE&G easement, connecting West Windsor Community Park with Mercer County Park.
This project, according to Mayor Hsueh, is the first of its kind, and could inspire more townships to follow in West Windsor’s path. “I was told by PSE&G that they have received requests from many other townships to do this type of project, but they gave permission to West Windsor first.”
Township Council voted on July 31 to approve the $327,”962 contract, clearing the way for work to begin before the end of summer. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The project was first proposed in 2002, and in the time since, West Windsor has negotiated with PSE&G over which entity will be responsible for maintenance of the property. West Windsor has agreed to shoulder the responsibility and the cost for upkeep of the pathway.
When asked whether the township would use open space funds for maintenance of the path, Hsueh told the News, “We haven’t gotten that far yet. The township will take care of the pathways and bridge and so forth. That’s understandable. West Windsor residents will be using it.”
The project will include building a bridge across the Big Bear Brook and a bicycle/pedestrian pathway along the entire PSE&G right-of-way. This will connect the eastern part of West Windsor to the Community Park and the pathway will continue on to the Mercer County Park.
The bridge is being funded in part by a federal grant of $200,”000. Part of the pathway is being funded by a grant of $100,”000 from the NJ Department of Transportation. Green Construction has been awarded a bid for improvements to the southern section of the pathway.
