Consolidated Rail Corporation, or Conrail, announced a bridge replacement project with major traffic disruption implications for Centennial Avenue beginning on Monday October 11th, 2021. The bridge replacement project, located on Centennial Avenue between Winans Avenue and Hillside Avenue, will cause a full road closure on Centennial Avenue between Myrtle Street and Winans Avenue beginning Friday October 15th, 2021. The Cranford Police Department anticipates major traffic delays on Centennial Avenue during school and commuting hours as a result of this project – which will in turn create delays in detour routes surrounding the affected project area. This infrastructure project was deemed necessary by structural engineers and is expected to be completed by October 20th, 2021.

Most significantly, Hillside Avenue will be closed from Hillside Avenue School to Centennial Avenue – requiring motorists to access Hillside Avenue School via Collins Street and Wall Street. There will be no access to Hillside Avenue School from Centennial Avenue. Instead, parents and guardians should utilize Cranford Terrace or Wall Street to access Hillside Avenue School. There will be an increased presence of Cranford Police Officers to ensure that traffic laws, especially speeding restrictions, are being obeyed in residential neighborhoods.

During the road closure, detour signs will be posted by all major intersections from South Avenue East to Raritan Road and police officers will be present to mitigate traffic-related concerns. Trucks will be expected to follow detour instructions and should avoid Centennial Avenue between South Avenue East and Raritan Road. Any deliveries to Cranford’s Industrial Park should be made from Raritan Road entrance points.

Generally, motorists should expect significant delays and should plan alternate routes to normal destination points. Road closures shall extend over the weekend hours as well – which will affect any activities at sports fields on Hillside Avenue or Memorial Field.

Questions about the project itself may be directed to Consolidated Rail Corporation at (908) 862-8666. During this project, any traffic related concerns should be immediately reported to the Cranford Police Department at 908-272-2222.