PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — Gov. Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Priya Jain announced a $1.2 million state grant to help Phillipsburg repair Summit Avenue after sinkholes damaged the roadway in February.
The funding will support permanent repairs to Summit Avenue near the intersection of Lewis Street, where two sinkholes opened on Feb. 16.
“This is what government does – bringing resources to an area where we need to make people whole after an unexpected calamity,” Sherrill said in a statement. “We are providing $1.2 million to get the permanent fix in for this road to make sure people are kept safe and able to get back to work and back in their homes.”
Temporary roadway repairs have already been completed. Aqua New Jersey is currently repairing a damaged water main connected to the incident.
Officials said eight homes showed signs of instability and were deemed unsafe for occupancy, leaving residents displaced while additional evaluations are conducted.
State officials said further geotechnical investigations will determine what steps are needed to ensure the homes are safe before residents can return. After the investigation, utilities will be reconnected and the roadway will be fully reconstructed, including repaving and sidewalk replacement.
“When the unforeseen happens and the safety of the public is at risk, the New Jersey Department of Transportation leverages its strong partnerships, quick action and access to resources to restore safe access for motorists, residents and businesses,” Jain said. “No community should have to face unbudgeted and unexpected infrastructure challenges like this alone.”
Officials believe the sinkholes may have been caused by aging infrastructure and a possible pipe collapse, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Sherrill and Jain were joined at the announcement by Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza Jr., state Sen. Doug Steinhardt, Assemblyman John DiMaio, Warren County commissioners and Phillipsburg council members.
