Governor, Mayor Open Peter J. Biondi Bypass

The section of the Peter J. Biondi Bypass opened Monday may only be the middle link in the eventual chain, Mayor Frank DelCore said it's "vital to the economic development of Hillsborough," nonetheless.

"Not only will the bypass lessen the congestion along the existing Route 206," he said. "But more importantly it provides a pathway for Hillsborough to start the town center that has been envisioned in our Master Plan for many years.

"I'd like to thank the Christie Administration, the Department of Transportation, our legislators, my colleagues on the Township Committee and our local employees in the township for their diligence in making this vision a reality," he added.

The event included Gov. Christie, as well as U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7th Dist., NJ Sen. Christopher Bateman, and Assembly representatives Jack Ciattarelli and Donna Simon. 

During his remarks, Gov. Christie noted how the bypass will help the quality of life for many residents —including himself—and said his administration continues to support the project.

He also noted the efforts of Peter Biondi, who had argued and lobbied for the bypass for many years.

"We're here to open the center portion of the bypass and I'm glad that it's done," Gov. Christie said. "And more importantly, though, we're here to honor one of Hillsborough's great, great historic residents—Peter Biondi."

Christie noted Biondi was involved in local government as a member of the Township Committee, as well as freeholder and Assembly representative for 28 of the 35 years he lived in Hillsborough.

"And during that time...he championed this bypass," Christie added. "And when Pete was championing something, people could have not many better champions than Pete Biondi—he was persistent, and in my experience, not shy to 'make the ask.'" 

Gov. Christie closed his remarks with an anecdote for Biondi's family, about cufflinks from the U.S. Justice Department the late politician teased Christie about, and a set of cufflinks with the New Jersey state seal Biondi gave him, which Christie wore when taking his oath of office as governor.

The $44 million middle section of the bypass, from Amwell to Hillsborough roads, was constructed by Carbro Inc., a Hillsborough-based company, that began work in August 2010. The project continues with tree removal, leveling, drainage and utility work commencing on the lands for the extensions at the north and south ends of the bypass as soon as next month. The work should take about 18 months to complete by contractor, the Konkus Corporation, of Branchburg.    

Construction of the connections to the existing Route 206 are expected to begin about 2016, with completion by about 2019, DOT Spokesman Joe Dee said.

Dee said the work on the ends is currently planned to be done simultaneously, but added that could change.
 
"That's the plan—but with the bids, it could change," he said. 

Residents at the event, which included nearly all area elected officials and members of Biondi's family, expressed their optimism that the bypass will help traffic flow through the township. 

"I think it will help—why wouldn't it?," resident Jennifer Pavuk said.

Greg Gillette, a resident and member of the Board of Education, said he was glad to hear the project will be continuing, with completion before the 250th anniversary of Hillsborough's charter in 1771.

"It would be nice to have a parade on Route 206—which they did for the bicentennial in 1971, but there was a lot less traffic then," he said.  

Gov. Christie closed his remarks with an anecdote for Biondi's family, about cufflinks from the U.S. Justice Department the late politician teased Christie about, and a set of cufflinks with the New Jersey state seal Biondi gave him, which Christie wore when taking his oath of office as governor.

After the event, the governor's entourage pulled onto the bypass and took the first trip down the opened road.