N.J. Residents Concerned Over Drivers Ignoring Flood Road Closures

Flood Damage and Road Closures

• 🌊 Raging floodwaters in North Plainfield, New Jersey, caused significant damage, including a section of Somerset Street buckling and collapsing.
• 🚧 Despite cement barricades and clear road closure signs, drivers were observed ignoring the warnings.

Resident Concerns and Safety Risks

• ⚠️ Residents like Stacy Barnard expressed worry about 18-wheelers and trucks using the damaged road, fearing further collapse.
• 🚗 Drivers were seen bypassing closure signs and traveling in both directions on the single lane, creating near-miss situations with other vehicles.
• 🗣️ One resident noted the lack of police presence enforcing the closure, leading to a feeling of abandonment.

Official Response and Follow-Up

• 🚨 After CBS News New York contacted the mayor, police were dispatched to enforce the road closure, a move that was applauded by residents.
• 📬 A viewer tip led CBS News New York to investigate the issue, highlighting the importance of community reporting.
• 🏗️ The Somerset County Road Department was reached out to for comment on the roadway's integrity but had not yet responded at the time of reporting.
• ⏱️ The mayor indicated that the instances of vehicles bypassing the closure occurred during a shift change for patrols, with plans to redeploy officers.