Geraud Avenue bridge: One strand in a spaghetti bowl

Map showing Geraud Avenue area. (Click to enlarge.)

After years of pressure from Somerset County on Plainfield to eliminate the Geraud Avenue bridge -- even dangling a million-dollar lollipop before a cash-hungry city -- it looks like this brook may flow uphill.

AST, the developer of the Marino's tract, which is supposed to be anchored by a supermarket, opines that the existence of a bridge over the Green Brook at Geraud Avenue to funnel traffic from the north to the site is essential to its viability.

Add to that support from South Plainfield, and it looks like the bridge could have another chance, especially if the Plainfield Council adopts a resolution of support.

Not without some wrinkles, of course.

Hence the spaghetti metaphor.

Geraud Avenue, view toward North Plainfield. (Click to enlarge.)

First, there is the question of whether Somerset County will want another bridge closed. That's a serious matter.

You may have noticed that traffic in Plainfield has increased dramatically over recent years, especially in the downtown business district. The nineteen north-south bridge crossing over the Green Brook have all been impacted by the opening a few years ago of the Watchung Square Mall and the intensification of businesses along 22.

So, while Somerset County (which maintains the bridges, but shares the cost with Union County) has in the past said it would want to close the Sycamore Avenue bridge if Geraud is reopened, my hope is that the City would press for a complete DOT review of all nineteen crossings, their role in the general north-south flow of traffic in the metro Plainfield area, and any impacts closing any bridge(s) would have.

That's the least the City should hold out for.

The DOT would also become involved (it has not been previously) as Front Street is a state highway at that point and a traffic control design would need state approval.

Then there's the question of the Geraud Avenue bridge itself.

Plaque on the Geraud Avenue bridge.
(Click to enlarge.)

Built in 1904 (not 1804 as I had previously misread the bridge's plaque), it is said to be historic -- not only for its age, but for its construction technique. If the state regards it as historic, the replacement process could become more complicated.

And, if we plan for success, the question of the bridge's width will need to be taken into account.

Then there's the question of keeping commerical traffic out of a residential neighborhood if Geraud Avenue becomes a popular route.

Spaghetti anyone?

-- Dan Damon

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