Our road paving program continues to move forward. A majority of the costs are being covered by grant money, saving South River tax dollars. Sections of the following Borough maintained roads have been or are scheduled to be repaved. Check back as we provide updates to the paving schedule. Additionally, South River Department of Public Works is always hard at work maintaining South River's other streets.
- Albourne Street (2026)
- Franklin Street (2026)
- Olchaskey Avenue (2026)
- Prentice Avenue (2026)
- Tice Avenue (2026)
- Cleveland Avenue (2026)
- John Street (2027)
- Hollander Street (2027)
- Nelson Street (2027)
- Wilcox Avenue (2027)
Posted: 10/2/2026
Construction at Varga Park, located on Eastern Street and William Street, will begin in August. For the safety of all residents, the area will be closed during construction. Work includes rehabilitation of the tennis court area, to create four (4) new pickleball courts. This project is funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $200,000 and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) Local Recreational Improvement Program in the amount of $89,000.
Posted: 7/31/2026
Construction at Volunteer Memorial Park, located on Bryan Street with access from Herbert Street, Bray Avenue, and Oak Street, is currently underway. For everyone's safety, the playground area is closed during construction. Once completed, the park will feature a fully inclusive playground with play structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12, swings, a picnic area with shade structure, a quiet zone, accessible safety surfacing, and fencing. Additional improvements, including a walking path and an ADA-accessible parking space, are planned for this fall. This project is funded by a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Green Acres Program. For a rendering of the new playground, view the Volunteer Memorial Park Playground Improvements (PDF).
Posted: 7/31/2026
Construction at Edward A. Grekoski Park, located at 375 Whitehead Avenue, continues to make significant progress. The outdated playground equipment has been replaced with a brand-new, completely inclusive playground. A gazebo overlooking the pond has also been completed. Security cameras have also been installed.
Upcoming improvements include the installation of accessible walkways and additional landscaping. The Borough has also awarded a contract to renovate the existing concession stand to include a family-accessible restroom. Construction on this phase is anticipated to begin in September.
This project is funded through grants from New Jersey Green Acres Program in the amount of $554,250 and New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) Local Recreational Improvement Program in the amount of $79,000.
Posted: 7/31/2026
A total of 46 new shade trees have been planted throughout our downtown area. With the help of South River's Shade Tree Advisory Board, different varieties were carefully selected for each location while taking into consideration overhead wires, traffic visibility, and the growth characteristics of each tree.
The new plantings will help create a greener, more beautiful downtown for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Posted: 5/21/2026
Renovations to the South River Police Department's 9-1-1 Communications Center were recently completed. The modern, state-of-the-art workspace is designed to support the department's dispatchers in the critical work they do every day. The upgraded center features a modernized look and the latest phone systems, enhanced radio communications, advanced mapping technology, and stress-reducing ergonomic furniture - providing them with the tools they need to respond quickly, efficiently, and accurately when our residents call for help. With this new center, our dispatchers have the resources necessary to serve South River's residents at the highest level, ensuring they receive help when it's most needed.
Posted: 4/9/2026
Work is underway on Port Plaza, a redevelopment project at the corner of Main and Reid Streets which includes the former Laffin Chevrolet site. The project's retail space will feature Seabra Foods, an approximately 13,357 square foot supermarket, along with a wine store and a prepared foods cafe. Reid Leisure Apartments will feature 17 total apartments consisting of eight one bedroom units and nine two bedroom units with tenant parking located below in a ground level parking garage. The project also includes site improvements and flood protection safeguards. Once completed, Port Plaza will transform one of the busiest entrances into South River, welcoming drivers as they enter the borough from Sayreville.
Posted: 11/7/2025
The water main replacement project consists of replacing all 4 inch mains with 8 inch mains. Additionally, the project includes new valves, fire hydrants, and service connections. Phase 1 consists of areas north of the railroad tracks to the borough's border. Phase 2 consists of areas south of the railroad tracks.
75% of the survey is complete, detailed plans are 60% complete, and technical specifications are fully complete. Permit plans have been completed and are now under review. The environmental plan is complete, under internal technical review, and expected to be submitted next week.
Posted: 10/23/2025
A contractor working on behalf of Middlesex County will soon begin work to remove old trolley tracks under the pavement on Main Street (Middlesex County Route 535). The removal is necessary due to the track structure deteriorating and causing problems with the road surface. The project also includes sidewalk and ADA ramp construction as well as milling and paving.
Throughout the project, the South River Police Department will provide periodic updates via NIXLE, Facebook, and Instagram. Updates from Mayor Peter Guindi will be provided via South River Borough's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
More information about the project is available at the following links:
- Main Street Project Notice (PDF)
- Main Street Project Message from the Mayor (PDF)
- Main Street Project Notice to Residents (PDF)
Posted: 9/29/2025
Phase 1 of transforming the former PNC Bank property on Main Street is well underway. The interior of the building has been stripped, paving the way for demolition work to begin within the next several weeks.
Converting this unused property into retail and apartment space is a prime example of a private investment aimed at improving South River's downtown area. Check back for more updates!
Posted: 9/26/2025
The water main replacement project consists of replacing all 4 inch mains with 8 inch mains. Additionally, the project includes new valves, fire hydrants, and service connections. Phase 1 consists of areas north of the railroad tracks to the borough's border. Phase 2 consists of areas south of the railroad tracks.
The engineering firm, CDM Smith is in the process of preparing the application for submission to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, which the Borough of South River intends to use to fund the program. Once the application is approved, the project will go out for bidding.
Posted: 7/17/2025
Phase 2 of the project has been installed and is now in the programming and testing stages. After the completion of these final stages, phase 2 will be activated and fully online.
Installed at the Willett Avenue Electric Substation, the batteries allow for the storage of electricity during off-peak usage when prices are low. The locally stored electric is then utilized to supplement South River's power use during times of peak usage. This results in South River's Electric Utility needing to purchase less power when costs are at their highest, resulting in significant transmission and capacity savings.
Posted: 7/15/2025
A combination of Borough funds and grant funding is being used to upgrade South River's parks - improving and updating existing park features along with adding new amenities. The end goal is to provide South River residents of all ages with outdoor spaces to use for both passive and active recreation activities. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the progress.
Dailey's Pond Park: Work on the basketball court and playground area is nearing completion. New benches will be installed soon.
Varga Park: The Borough was awarded an $89,000 grant to install pickleball courts. Work will begin in 2025.
Grekoski Park: A new turf infield will be installed on the baseball field. Work will begin in 2025.
Grekoski Park: Grants in the amount of $554,250 from the NJDEP Green Acres Program and $79,000 from the NJDCA Local Recreational Improvement Program are funding the replacement of an existing playground with a completely inclusive playground, including new safety surfacing and play structures with ramps. The work also includes renovating the existing restroom facility along with adding benches, fencing, and a gazebo to support the playground. These improvements will ensure all children have access to playgrounds and recreational amenities, regardless of their physical abilities or neurodiversity. For a rendering of the new playground, view the Grekoski Park Playground Improvements (PDF).
Posted: 5/9/2025
We're working to make your ride a smoother one. The following Borough maintained roads are projected to be repaved in 2025. Please note that some roads may be authorized in 2025, but paved in 2026. Check back as we provide updates to the paving schedule. Additionally, South River Department of Public Works is always hard at work maintaining South River's other streets.
- Darrow Street – from Virginia Street to Bright Street
- Dailey Street – from Ferris Street to John Street
- John Street – from Colfax Street to George Street
- Albourne Street – from Ferris Street to Seppi Street
- Franklin Street – from Wilson Avenue to Pulawski Avenue
- Olchaskey Avenue – from Kamm Avenue to Prentice Avenue
- Prentice Avenue – from Willett Avenue to Sheldon Avenue
- Tice Avenue – from Old Bridge Turnpike to David Street
- Cleveland Avenue – from Virginia Street to the end
Posted: 5/9/2025
Installed at the Willett Avenue Electric Substation, the batteries allow for the storage of electricity during off-peak usage when prices are low. The locally stored electric is then utilized to supplement South River's power use during times of peak usage. This results in South River's Electric Utility needing to purchase less power when costs are at their highest, resulting in significant transmission and capacity savings.
Posted: 5/9/2025
To equip our borough departments with the fleet needed to serve our residents, new vehicle purchases are in the works. The police department will be receiving three new vehicles - a Chevy Silverado has been received and is already in service and two additional vehicles, one of which is planned to be a Chevy Tahoe, will be delivered later in 2025. The Department of Public Works will take delivery on a Ford F350 dump truck, a pick-up truck, a leaf vacuum truck, and an electric utility bucket truck.
Posted: 5/9/2025