Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • August 26, 2009 Mahwah West Ramapo Avenue Bridge to reopen next week by Frank J. McMahon The West Ramapo Avenue Bridge over Route 17 is expected to reopen by Sept. 2, the first day of Mahwah’s 2009-10 school year. The bridge was closed following the high school graduation on June 19 to allow the New Jersey Department of Transportation to rehabilitate the bridge deck with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus package money the state received from the federal government. The NJDOT estimated the project cost at $618,869. The bridge, located at the end of Ridge Road, is a main access to the four township schools on that road. It is also a route to Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202) where an Indian temple, a synagogue, and Ramapo College are located. The first day of classes at the college is also Sept. 2. During the bridge closure, motorists have been required to use detours that include using the Route 202 underpass on Route 17, which is north of the bridge, or traveling south to the Macarthur Boulevard overpass. Plans called for replacement of the entire bridge surface, according to Mahwah Township Administrator Brian Campion. He explained that more than 50 percent of the bridge was “patched,” so the entire deck was to be removed down to the metal structure. Campion said this was one of the first NJDOT projects to be undertaken since the stimulus package money was approved by the federal government. The bridge project was chosen because it was a “shovel ready” project the NJDOT had planned to undertake whenever the funds were allocated to it because it does not require any permitting or right-of-way acquisitions. Campion said the stimulus package money prompted the NJDOT to expedite the project. When the project was announced, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine predicted it would create and support jobs, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of the bridge. “The Ramapo Avenue Bridge project reflects the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving our infrastructure and stimulating the economy,” he said. Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “Reducing your daily shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes saves 4,200 gallons of water a year and cuts your utility bill.” 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Billy Says... Scout works toward Silver Award Vanessa Virgens of Troop 870 is currently working on her Silver Award project for Girl Scouts. This summer, under the direction of Karen Mcguire, Virgens taught children how to plan design and create arts and craft projects at the summer recreation program. The children, who are in grades three through eight, made flowers, hearts, stars, door hangers and other art projects. These projects were donated to the Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels. In total, over 300 projects were donated. The crafts were distributed to elderly homebound residents of Bergen County. Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels serves over 200 residents on a daily basis. Those in need of Meals on Wheels, may contact Jeanne E. Martin at (201) 358-0050. Virgens is pictured at left with Director of Mahwah Summer Recreation Karen Mcguire and at right with Director of Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels Jeanne E. Martin. HARDING WINE & SPIRIT The shore is nice, but don’t pay the price. Get your Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel Liberty Creek or... $ HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda WE DELIVER Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel & Moscato Barefoot Wines $ 5 9 .99 1.5 liter .29 1.5 liter 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 All that money you’ll save can pay for your picnic on the beach! No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.