Work on the five miles of Route 25 between Route 111 and the Merritt Parkway will temporarily halt for the winter, but it won't be finished untiil Sept. 2013.
So watch out for those orange cones and lane closures both northbound and southbound until as late as Nov. 1 of this year. Then construction season typically runs between April 1 and Nov. 1, said Kevin Nursick, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.
But the discomfort is a small price to pay for the $17.5 million project, which he estimates could extend the concrete road's life for 30 years or more.
The work is overdue, according to Nursick. it was built in the late 70s and its concrete construction has required maintenance. Waiting any longer means maintaining it would be more expensive.
"This is a very well-conceived and very cost effective product," Nursick said.
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Sections of the Route 25/8 Connector are asphalt and others are concrete. Concrete is more expensive but lasts longer. "It's like changing your oil every 6,000 miles" instead of 3,000 miles, the spokesman said.
The concrete is also differently colored and has small grooves in it to increase traction for vehicles, according to Nursick.
The guiderails are also being replaced, Nursick noted. He stressed the difference between guardrails and guiderails. Guiderails do just what their name suggests, guide cars to minimize accidents.
"The final product is going to be sweet," Nursick said.
For daily updates, check the DOT Website.
