Ground Broken for Routes
4 and 17 Interchange Project

"The wait is over. I’m pleased to say that it’s full steam ahead for this project," the Commissioner said. "Our next steps are to make sure this project impacts as few as people as possible."

"It is crystal clear that this interchange needs improvements and now it is finally happening," the Commissioner said. "We are also sensitive to the impacts the project will have. In August, we established a task force to help us shape and implement a public outreach and traffic mitigation effort, and to serve as a clearinghouse of ideas to make things better while this project is under construction."

"We have also provided incentives to the contractor to complete this project before Thanksgiving of 2000, over a year ahead of schedule," the Commissioner said.

"Route 4 and 17 serves as a crossroads for Bergen County," said Bergen County Executive Pat Schuber. "We have an employment base of 550,000 people and 19 major malls and shopping centers. This project will ensure that our county’s economy remains strong and growing."

The Task Force includes area state and federal legislators, Bergen County government representatives, local officials, State and County police, NJDOT, and area businesses, and will serve as a communications conduit between NJDOT and interested parties for the project. The Task Force will meet regularly and will address issues that arise throughout the duration of work.

The joint venture of Bishop-Sanzari, Inc. of White Plains, NY and Fletcher Creamer, Inc. of Hackensack, NJ has been awarded the contract for the overhaul of the interchange. The contract amount is $49.7 million.

As part of the effort to minimize disruptions and keep commuters informed, no lane closures will be permitted from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, and NJDOT has established a web page for the project.