Town officials reported progress Tuesday on a series of infrastructure and drainage projects intended to reduce flood risk and complete municipal improvements across Cranford.

Mayor Terrence Curran and other committee members outlined five projects in particular: the Orchard Brook culvert widening, a federal buyout program for five West Holly homes, FEMA elevation projects for eligible properties, an ongoing library expansion, and a large storm-sewer project affecting South Avenue and Chestnut Street.

Curran described the Orchard Brook Culvert work as a collaborative effort with Union County and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Blue Acres program. He said the existing culvert will be widened "from about 5 feet to 20 feet" to increase flow and capacity. "Four of the five homes have accepted the buyout offers," Curran said, and the township anticipates construction to start in 2026. He added engineers have begun design work.

Curran also reported that 14 homes are eligible for FEMA elevation assistance and nine have elected to move forward; architects submitted designs and coordinating with homeowners, and construction for those elevations is expected to begin this fall and run through the following year.

On other projects, Curran said the township awarded the Chester Lang pedestrian and striping contract to Valley Construction under resolution 2025-283 and expects work to begin by mid-September. He reported the library expansion survey is complete, the River desalting project survey is done and the design will be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection later in the month, with construction expected in 2026.

The South Avenue and Chestnut storm-sewer project is in the bidding stage, Curran said; utility relocations for underground lines will begin later this year and major drainage construction is anticipated in 2026 once bids have been awarded.

Commissioner Andrews added updates on two projects: the Kanishka Passage accessibility improvements near Hillside Avenue School — removal of steps and construction of a gradual ramp — with demolition and concrete work completed and the contractor moving on to Chester Lang; and the Adam Softball Field paving project, which is delayed by a survey dispute that the committee expects to resolve in the coming week.

No votes were required for the infrastructure updates themselves; the committee did approve routine minutes, two ordinances on first reading and a block of consent resolutions during the meeting.

Officials asked residents to expect traffic and construction impacts in affected neighborhoods and to contact the township engineering office with questions about specific projects.