New Water Main Installation to Partially Close Childs Road

New Jersey American Water Co. intends this summer to install a new water main in a section of of Childs Road that includes both Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, a project that will partially close the road for about six weeks, Bernards Township officials said on Tuesday.

Bernards Township Engineer Tom Timko said the area where construction will take place will begin along Childs Road about 500 feet west of Hardscrabble Road, and continue to Route 202 in Bernardsville.

The job is expected to begin on or about July 26, Timko said at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting. 

Bernards Township police have advised that the road will be open to residents at all times, said Bernards Township Administrator Bruce McArthur.

Nevertheless, McArthur said detours are being planned at Mullens Lane, Hardscrabble Road and along Childs Road.

But, he added, "The road is not going to be completely closed."

Timko said the water company typically runs a water main up one side of the street, and tries to keep a lane open. The water company workers then fill in the area opened for water main installation and temporarily patch the road, to be followed by a more permanent patching.

McArthur said the water company plans to cover 200 feet per day while working.

The water company earlier this year partially of Mount Airy Road in Bernardsville, just south of Olcott Square, to allow installation of a new water main. That road remained accessible to local traffic and school buses during the road work.