Woodbridge, NJ Road Collapse: Smith Street Repair to Take Months, Mayor States

Mysterious Road Crack in Woodbridge

• ⚠️ A massive, mysterious crack has appeared along Smith Street in Woodbridge, New Jersey, causing significant disruption.
• 💡 Residents first noticed a small crack on Thursday morning, which rapidly grew into a two-foot gap by the evening.
• 🏠 Eighteen homes were evacuated due to the damage, though residents have since been allowed back.

Mayor's Assessment and Safety Measures

• 📈 The mayor stated the crack is slightly growing, with the road having moved by an eighth of an inch in the past 24 hours.
• 🛠️ Safety is being monitored with alarms and equipment designed to detect any road shifts.
• 🚧 Despite the ongoing monitoring, the exact cause of the crack remains unknown.

Repair Timeline and Impact

• ⏳ Mayor states that the extensive damage will require the roadway to be entirely redone, a process expected to take months.
• 🚗 The closure of Highland Avenue and Smith Street is significantly impacting local businesses and residents due to its central location within a complex road network.

Theories on the Cause

• 🏗️ Residents speculate that nearby warehouse construction, involving heavy truck traffic and excavation, may have contributed to the ground instability.
• 🏭 Another theory suggests that the age of the street or underlying mines could be a factor, though the mayor has expressed doubt about these possibilities.
• 🔍 The mayor indicated that determining the cause will require getting underground to investigate.
• ⚠️ Crews are currently focused on ensuring the safety of gas lines and electric poles during the repair process.