Hudson County hearing grows heated as residents and officials debate River Road protected bike lane and contractor delays

Hudson County commissioners faced a steady stream of public comment on Oct. 9 over a county project to repave River Road and install a new protected two‑way bicycle track on the northbound side of the roadway.

Chairman Anthony Romano opened the exchange by reading a county engineering statement that said the completed corridor will remain a five‑lane road (two lanes northbound, two lanes southbound and a center turn lane) and that the protected bike track replaces an unprotected bike lane that was present on the road since 2011. "There is an abundance of misinformation," Romano said, adding the County is "dissatisfied with the performance of the contractor" and is calling for changes in state procurement law so public owners can avoid repeat problems when a low bid does not match on‑the‑ground performance.

Why it matters: River Road is a major north–south artery serving Hudson County and the George Washington Bridge corridor. Supporters say separated bike infrastructure reduces crash risk, encourages cycling and benefits local businesses. Opponents say the project’s construction has worsened traffic congestion and created safety concerns for people boarding buses at new stops adjacent to the bike track.

Supporters emphasized safety. "The improvements you made are creating conditions that discourage reckless behavior," said David Shanky, who said he rides with his four‑year‑old and uses the road to access the bridge. Multiple riders and neighborhood residents testified that the protected lane will make the corridor safer for families and more welcoming to non‑drivers.

Opponents stressed construction impacts and design issues. Residents living adjacent to the work described long delays that have at times slowed ambulances and school buses, and raised concerns about how bus passengers will cross or board if stops are immediately next to the protected track. "Losing any hospital, but losing a hospital like Hoboken, it is more than a tragedy," one speaker said when linking emergency access to roadway flow; other speakers focused on vehicle queuing and practical issues such as the height of concrete separators, flooding and winter visibility.

County response: The Chairman read the engineering office’s position that the finished road will preserve the same vehicle lane count and that the new design reflects the County’s Vision Zero goals. County staff acknowledged the delays and said they were working with law enforcement and other partners to reduce congestion during final construction. They also said procurement rules at the state level require awarding to the lowest responsible bidder, and that the County is asking the legislature to allow selection processes that more explicitly balance price and demonstrated contractor performance.

What’s next: Commissioners said they will press for better contractor accountability and continue to work with county staff and state partners on procurement changes. Engineers indicated they could make site adjustments after the lane is completed if technical problems (for example bus‑stop access or drainage) require it.

Ending: The Board heard about a dozen public commenters on both sides, asked staff to pursue short‑term traffic mitigation, and directed continued engagement with residents as the project reaches completion.