Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-01-25
THE NEW BRIDGE AND ITS APPROACHES

Now that the federal government has approved the plans for
the state highway bridge across the Raritan river connecting Perth
and South Amboy, the actual work of construction ought to be
started before very long. There is not much chance of the river
being closed by ice now, for unless we get the bitter cold weather
in late December or January thick ice is not likely to form as the
sun is getting too high. Early spring, therefore, ought to find the
work on the new bridge well under way.
This means, then, that the city has no time to lose in planning
for the approach to the new bridge and laying out the streets lead
ing thereto. 1t would be shortsighted, indeed, to wait until the
bridge is finished before taking up this work. At least, the alder
men should get in touch with the City Plan Commission and re-
guest them to devote their attention to this development. The map
ss already prepared by the city planning experts shows two pos
sible routes for the through traffic to the new bridge. Both plans.
include the widening Of Cleveland avenue from Brace avenue west
ward to Krochmaly avenue. From that point there are two pos
sible routes, one along Krochmaly avenue to Amboy avenue, meet
ing the latter at Waltrous lane, and the other is a continuation of
cleveland avenue as a broad boulevard straight through to the
Woodbridge road meeting the latter at Florida Grove road. The
direct Cleveland avenue route is to be preferred. 1t would mean
a greater expense, but it would also mean a greater development
in the northern section of the city, opening up a new tract and thus
s~senabling the city to get returns that would, eventually, more than
make up the first cost.
But now that the bridge is assured and work is soon to start,
It Is none too soon for the city to take up this matter in earnest SO
that the widening and grading can be going on while the bridge is
being built, then both would be ready together.
This matter of the approach to the bridge also involves the de-
Refopment of Fayette street through to Convery place. The City
Plan Commission has already shown how feasible this is and now is
the time to have it done while the railroad crossing elimination is
- der way and the highway bridge is being built The city will
e to stand all the expense of a bridge across the tracks at ray
street, but it will be worth the money as the development of
Ey demands it. Increased valuations of property along the
hsion of Fayette street in the western section of the city Will
n ND for the expense involved in that work.
These are things that cannot be ignored. They are all brought
about partly by the construction of the new state highway bridge
But az this is to be a three million dollar affair 1T is something
worth considering and it is up to the city to do its part IN making
it worth while. AS long as special legislation is needed to enable
the city to finance the big projects confronting it, this bridge de-
velopment must not be overlooked. It is one of the four big prob
lens confronting the city for which the special legislation Is need
cd. This "big four program consists of the grade crossing elimi-
nation with the advancement of the sewers etc, the erection of a
new school in the northern section of the city, the proper route
across the city leading to the new bridge, and the purchase OF the
gas works property for the development of a real waterfront park
for the benefit Of the whole people. These are all essential Tor the
citv's progress and must be given immediate attention.