Clinton Route 173 Water-Main Work Brings Planned Bridge Restrictions

The Town of Clinton announced a final phase of its Route 173 water-main replacement project near the South Branch of the Raritan River, with planned traffic and parking restrictions as work moves toward the Clinton House.

In a July 21, 2026, notice, the Town said the phase would begin on or about Monday, July 27. The notice did not provide a firm completion date, exact detour route, daily work hours, lane-by-lane traffic plan or a field-status update confirming what work had occurred by August 3.

Work crosses the river beside the Route 173 bridge

The final phase involves crossing the South Branch of the Raritan River beside the Route 173 bridge. The Town said initial work on the east side of the river was expected to have little effect on pedestrians and vehicles.

More significant restrictions were planned for the west-side portion near the Clinton House. During that work, parking and traffic restrictions will apply, and vehicle traffic accessing the bridge toward Main Street will be restricted.

The Town said signs and detours would be posted. The notice did not say that the Route 173 bridge would be fully closed. Instead, it described restricted bridge access toward Main Street while preserving local access in the work area.

Residential and museum access expected to remain

Vehicles entering or leaving residential properties and the Red Mill Museum are expected to be permitted to access the area. Parking and traffic conditions may nevertheless change while west-side work is underway.

Emergency vehicles will retain full access to the work areas if needed. The Town also said the area would be reopened once the work is completed, but it did not announce a completion date.

Construction financing authorized

Clinton Town Council Resolution 116-26, adopted July 8, authorizes the issuance of one or more construction-financing notes to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank in an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.97 million for the water-main replacement project.

The resolution does not establish that the Town will borrow the full amount. It states that the final principal amount is subject to the $3.97 million maximum and that the maturity and interest rate will be determined through the financing process.

Drivers using the Route 173 bridge toward Main Street should follow posted signs and detours when west-side restrictions are in place. Residents near the work area and Red Mill Museum visitors should allow extra time for changing parking and traffic conditions. Construction questions may be directed to Town Business Administrator Rich Phelan at 908-735-8616, the contact listed in the July 21 notice.

Sources

• Town of Clinton: Rt. 173 Water Main Replacement – Final Phase
• New Jersey Infrastructure Bank: Clinton Town West Main Street Water Main Replacement Phases 3 & 4