Crime & Safety

Sewer Work Closes Traffic on Russell Avenue

Both lanes of travel to be open to motorists on Wednesday

Russell Avenue remains mostly closed to motorists, although work should be suspended in time for the end of the school day.

Drivers are blocked from accessing the thoroughfare from Wyckoff Avenue but can reach the opposite side of Russell via Sicomac Avenue, up to the Route 208 interchange.

Those drivers approaching from Sicomac are directed onto Route 208 North, where they can take the Ewing Avenue exit in Franklin Lakes, make a right, and head toward Franklin Avenue if they're trying to reach the center of the township. Those traveling on Wyckoff Avenue who need to reach the Sicomac section would continue down to Cedar Hill Avenue, make a right, and head toward Sicomac Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The closure allows a privately funded construction firm, Matina and Sons, to hook five Russell Avenue homes up to the sewer main that had previously been on septic systems. As of late this morning, the crews were digging 13 feet deep to reach the main, just off the road's intersection with Stony Brook Lane. Work will be concentrated in the area up to Helena Avenue.

Work was supposed to start last week and conclude before the start of the school year, although delays by the contractor prevented the job from commencing. Work started today after parents dropped off kids at nearby Sicomac and Washington elementary schools and should be suspended by 2 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, the job is expected to take seven business days, weather permitting. Today will likely be the only day to see a total road closure. The township expects both lanes of travel to be open Wednesday as the contractor works in the right-of-way. Thereafter, the administration has said there would be minimal traffic disruptions for motorists heading down Russell Avenue.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.