Bell Avenue water main project in Hopatcong delayed following unexpected death of construction company owner

HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A planned water main replacement project on Bell Avenue in Hopatcong has been temporarily delayed following the unexpected death of the owner of the construction company awarded the contract, borough officials announced.

According to a public notice issued by the Borough of Hopatcong, the contractor’s owner died shortly before construction was scheduled to begin, creating unforeseen circumstances that have delayed the project.

The borough previously awarded a construction contract to replace an aging and deteriorated water main beneath Bell Avenue. Officials said the replacement is necessary to improve the reliability of the borough’s water infrastructure.

The water main work must be completed before Bell Avenue can be paved to prevent the newly paved roadway from having to be disturbed for underground water main improvements.

Following the contractor owner’s death, borough officials said they are working with the construction company’s bonding company to make the necessary arrangements for completing the contracted work.

The borough said its objective is to move the project forward as promptly and responsibly as possible while protecting residents’ interests and ensuring the work is completed in accordance with the construction contract.

Officials also extended condolences to the contractor owner’s family, employees and colleagues.

The borough acknowledged the importance of completing both the water main replacement and the subsequent paving of Bell Avenue and thanked residents for their patience and understanding while the situation is being resolved.

Additional information about the construction schedule will be provided once arrangements for completing the work have been finalized.

No revised construction start date was announced.