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West Windsor council asks governor to declare state of emergency over Clarksville Road bridge closure

West Windsor Township Council · February 25, 2026

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Summary

The council unanimously approved a resolution asking Gov. Mikie Sherrill to declare a state of emergency for the Clarksville Road corridor, citing a months-long bridge closure that has disrupted local businesses and transportation. The resolution outlines emergency procurement steps, economic relief and requests federal intercession with Amtrak.

Council member Andrea led the council in adopting Resolution 2026-R051 on Feb. 24, asking Gov. Mikie Sherrill to declare a state of emergency for the Clarksville Road corridor because the Clarksville Road bridge has been out of service for months and inspections and permits from NJDOT and Amtrak remain incomplete.

"We do not do this lightly," Council member Andrea said, urging expedited action and describing a package of measures the resolution seeks: federal intercession with Amtrak, emergency procurement and reduction of bureaucratic procedures, targeted economic assistance through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and expedited bridge replacement by NJDOT. Andrea said the council compiled data from police, emergency services and the school district and noted a petition with about 1,700 signatures supporting the request.

Mayor Hemant Marathi described repeated delays by Amtrak and NJDOT and urged continued pressure from county and state officials. "Amtrak doesn't seem to move at all," he said, describing limits on nightly outage windows and inspection scheduling that have constrained repair work.

Council discussion repeatedly cited frustration with state and federal agencies' pace. Several members praised local emergency responders and county leaders for their assistance and noted that Mercer County had passed a supporting resolution; Plainsboro was expected to act on a similar resolution the following day.

The council voted to approve the resolution by roll call; the resolution will be forwarded to the governor's office and to partner agencies to request the emergency declaration and the relief measures outlined in the text.

The council also noted administrative follow-up steps, including continued outreach to county and state leaders and further coordination with the EDA and legislative offices to identify short-term business relief options.