Essex County awards $3.7M in bridge work, approves traffic-signal projects and accepts $2M mosquito-control grant

Essex County commissioners approved several large public-works procurements and a state grant during the meeting.

David Antonio of the Department of Public Works presented a $3,686,000 award to Retaco Construction to replace two minor structures: Buford Avenue (Livingston) and Bloomfield Avenue (West Caldwell). Matthew Gordner of Retaco told commissioners the company is unionized and employs local residents; he said roughly 12.5% of the workforce are Essex County residents.

The board also approved contracts to install new traffic signals and roadway improvements: JC Contracting was awarded work at Mountain Avenue and Gould Avenue (North Caldwell) in a contract the presenter listed at approximately $627,663; 4Gs Trinity Electric was awarded a contract not to exceed $620,753 to install signals and pedestrian infrastructure at the Watchung Avenue/Park Street area in Montclair. Commissioners pressed staff on whether projects would follow the county's complete-streets policy and whether curb-bumpouts and pedestrian enhancements would be included. Project presenters described pedestrian signals with push buttons, camera-actuated detection and high-visibility crosswalks; staff said final plan geometry would be provided for commissioners' review.

Antonio also brought multiple on-call and change-order items: a two-year on-call contract with Sparwick Contracting for bridge and culvert repairs (up to $429,420); a contract extension option for Guardian Fences to continue fence and gate work; a change order adding $45,201 for engineering on the Bridal Street Bridge rehabilitation and a $395,283 emergency declaration payment to SERVPRO for restoration work after a water leak in a county building earlier in the year.

In another significant action, the board authorized execution of a $2,000,000 grant agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Mosquito Control Commission for the Essex County Mosquito Control Division to purchase equipment and supplies and to pay for services such as aerial spraying and surveillance.

Each public-works procurement was introduced by Department of Public Works staff and approved by roll-call vote; commissioners requested follow-up materials and outreach plans for complex intersections and pedestrian features.