VALLEY STREET ROADWORK SPARKS TRAFFIC, BUT WHY?

Residents have been hit for days with traffic backups and blocked roads due to roadwork being done on Valley Street between Tuscan Road down to Millburn Avenue.

The shutdowns have come without warning or notice and caused many side street traffic jams. And few police in place to direct traffic through the side streets.

Maplewood Police finally revealed what is going on today with a notice indicating it is New Jersey American Water doing upgrades that may last for at least another week.

See their notice below:

There will be ongoing work in the roadway during the weekdays on Valley St between Millburn Ave and Tuscan Rd. The work is being performed by NJ American Water and will typically last from approximately 9 AM to 4 PM as long as no unexpected obstacles are encountered. NJ American Water expects the work to continue until May 6th and then a 2nd phase of work to be performed in July. An update will be sent out once details of the 2nd phase are known.

As Valley Street is a county road, perhaps Essex County should have given a heads up as well.