Congressman Kean Tours Unfinished Road Construction Project in Hillsborough

Today, Congressman Thomas Kean visited Hillsborough Township to inspect the dormant 206 widening project that has been a pressing concern for the community. The NJDOT halted the project in the spring due to a dispute between the NJDOT and the contractor. Since then, the Township has been working with the NJDOT in an effort to restart the construction work. The Congressman's visit aimed to gain firsthand insights into the project's status and its impact on local businesses.

Joined by Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani, Committee James Ruh, Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, Economic and Business Development Director Zuzana Karas, and Engineering Director Tom Belanger, Congressman Kean embarked on a tour of the unfinished construction site along Route 206.

The Congressman witnessed the challenges posed by the incomplete roadwork, including disruptions to traffic flow, health and safety concerns, and the difficulties faced by local businesses due to limited accessibility. During his visit, Congressman Kean engaged in discussions with local business owners and Township representatives. These conversations shed light on the pressing need to expedite the completion of this vital infrastructure project to bolster the town's economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Mayor Lipani expressed his gratitude for Congressman Kean's visit stating “I'm happy to welcome Congressman Kean to Hillsborough today as he tours the abandoned Route 206 widening project that has cast a shadow over our community for far too long. His visit highlights the urgency of addressing this issue, allowing him to see firsthand the health and safety concerns we are experiencing, as well as the impact it has made on our local businesses. We hope his insights will help us find a way forward and that we have his support in advocating for the completion of this crucial project.”

"Completing this road construction project is not just a matter of convenience; it's about ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and the prosperity of our local businesses," stated Committeeman Jim Ruh.

Earlier this month, Hillsborough Township’s Economic and Business Development Director Zuzana Karas spearheaded the circulation of a petition among the Hillsborough businesses to give the business community a collective voice. A total of 145 signatures were collected from local businesses and their supporters, coming together in strong support of the completion of the road paving project. “This overwhelming show of unity from our business community underscores the critical importance of this project for our town's economic growth and prosperity. We are grateful for their unwavering support as we work towards making the completion of this project a reality,” stated Karas.

Congressman Kean assured the Township leaders and business owners of his commitment to addressing their concerns. He acknowledged the impact on Hillsborough's businesses and residents and promised to do his part to advocate for the necessary resources to expedite the completion of the project. The Congressman's visit marks a pivotal moment in Hillsborough's ongoing efforts to resolve the road construction dilemma. With his support, the Township hopes to bring this project to a successful conclusion, benefiting the community as a whole.

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