Cranford Bridge Reopens Four Months Early

Nearly four months earlier than originally anticipated, a bridge on Springfield Avenue that was  closed since last August, re-opened earlier today.The bridge, which spans the Rahway River, is often used by commuters for Orange Avenue School and Cranford High School and for others heading to Union County College and Kenilworth. Wayne Avery, Union County spokesman, said the bridge was identified as being "functionally obsolete and in need of repair" by the county in June 2003.After obtaining various permits and the results of environmental and traffic-related studies, construction began in late August.Before it was closed, the county-owned bridge was crossed by nearly 17,000 vehicles per day. The bridge re-opened at around 1:00 p.m.