Helmetta's Lake Ave. to get $200K makeover BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer HELMETTA- The borough will receive $185,000 from the state to help fund the reconstruction of Lake Avenue. Potholes, cracks and uneven surface pavement make for unsafe driving conditions on the road, according to a project description provided by borough engineer Terry Vogt, of Remington, Vernick & Vena Engineers. Many drivers use the road to get toMain Street from nearby developments, Jamesburg County Park and towns to the west of Helmetta. The road runs from Main to Maple Street. Traffic has increased in recent year with the completion of the Regency Walk development, which brought 100 to 150 new residents who now use the street. "Lake Avenue is a very busy road and is often used as a pass-through to East Brunswick and places west of Helmetta," Mayor Nancy Martin said. "It is important this road is kept in good condition." The project is proposed to include the full-length of the road and will consist of milling and removal of existing pavement along the gutter line, placement of about 11,200 square yards of 2-inch overlay, and full depth reconstruction and base repair. Work will include reconstructing the intersection of Lake Avenue and the northern entrance toHeather Glen to address crumbling due to previous utility work. Also, a new concrete curb will be installed along the western portion of Lake Avenue. There will be spot replacement of damaged curbing on the eastern side. Vogt said the project is expected to cost approximately $200,000, with the town paying about $14,500 of that. He said it would go out to bid in late summer, and the work would then be done over the course of 60 to 90 days. He said officials do not anticipate that the road will be closed during construction. The Transportation Trust Fund grant was announced last week by state Sen. Barbara Buono and assemblymen Patrick Diegnan and Peter Barnes (all D-18). "Ensuring that the quality of our roads and sidewalks are safe for transportation is essential to a healthy community," Buono said in a press release. "The safety of our drivers and pedestrians is an absolute priority." Martin said borough officials appreciate the legislators assistance with securing the grant. "Without this grant program many roads, not only in Helmetta but other municipalities, would not be replaced as quickly as needed," she said.