RADIATION CONCERN PROMPTED NEWARK WAY SHUTDOWN, BUT NO DANGER FOUND

Wednesday's shutdown of a portion of Newark Way by police and state and county officials was just a precaution as investigators were dealing with a device that had radioactive elements, but was found not to be a threat.

The Essex County Sheriff's Office told Maplewoodian.com that the 9 a.m. closure of the street, from Boyden Avenue to Schaefer Avenue for two hours, occurred after a vehicle involved in a Union traffic accident was brought to the location at 31 Newark Way, which is an impound lot used by Union police.

They said investigators found a moisture density gauge, which is used in construction to measure moisture in soil, in the vehicle.

The State Department of Environmental Protection told Maplewoodian.com that the gauge raised concerns because it contains a "radiological source," which could be dangerous if it is damaged and the radiation is released. A spokeswoman said that is why state police and a hazardous materials unit from Nutley were called in and the road closed.

Eventually, it was determined it had not leaked any substance and the public was never in any danger.