As of Sept. 25, the Hillery Street bridge reconstruction is about 80 percent complete, expected to be finished by year’s end. Remaining work includes concrete deck pouring, sidewalks, railings, lights and parapets. Original bridge trusses will be installed at three places under the span, according to Dolores Choteborsky, Passaic County information officer.

The $11.02 million project, which started last summer, is being done by Rosangelo Contracting Company of Cliffwood. Funding breakdown is as follows: federal - $9.52 million, state - $1 million, and county - $500,000. Rep Bill Pascrell (D-8th) secured the government funds.

According to Choteborsky, there have been no late design changes. She said the contractor has had some difficulty in completing the historic features. There was trouble selecting and attaching matching stone to the existing bridge at the piers and abutments. Another problem has been forming the deck and attaching the existing trusses to the new structure.

Choteborsky said the modern 352.5 foot span will be 30 feet curb to curb, plus two sidewalks’ width. She said the novel crossing will take standard truck weight of 40 tons, far surpassing its 1898 predecessor’s three-ton limit. The bridge will flare out at the Totowa Road intersection for easier turns and a traffic signal will replace the existing blinking light.

Totowa Councilman John Waryas said he rode by there a couple times last week, noting the moving progress.

"It’s going to be very nice," he said.

West Paterson Councilman Keith Kazmark said the approaching bridge work’s conclusion is good news.

"We’re certainly anxious to get that opened up. I think that will alleviate some of the traffic congestion. We have some backup on McBride Avenue during rush hour, because they have to turn at the Glover Avenue Bridge. It also has to do with school buses. The school buses from Passaic Valley have been using the highway," he said, about detouring.

Pascrell said he is pleased the work is near done.

"Once completed, families and business owners in Totowa, West Paterson and surrounding communities will enjoy safer, less congested roads, and more accessible commercial opportunities for years to come."

The congressman also expressed appreciation to local residents.

"I commend the people who live and work around the Hillery Street Bridge for being so patient while the federal government works with the state and county to modernize Passaic County’s aging infrastructure."