A fence will be in place to control pedestrian traffic along Millburn Avenue near the construction zone, but township officials will be monitoring the situation for possible changes in the future.

Local officials met with county and police officials about a fence to be installed along Millburn Avenue from Main Street to Tinga. Officials have said the reason for the fence is because of the expected increase in pedestrian traffic downtown when school opens on Tuesday.

The original plan was to install an orange construction fence, but Daniel Baer, Township Committee member serving as liaison on the bridge construction project, said a metal fence similar to those used at concerts will be used. It would be more transparent and also can be moved in order for business owners in the area can receive deliveries.

Baer said local officials at the meeting brought all other alternatives and options other than installing the fence. They included creating a walkway between the street and the construction zone with jersey barriers. "But there's just not enough space," he said.

Officials also discussed how those opposing the fence want to raise money for a crossing guard in the vicinity, Baer said. But county and police officials believe a police officer in the area only works with the fence, he said.

"It was a reasonable conversation," Baer said. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and go from there."

Baer also brought up during the meeting the issue of the need for a second officer in the area again, he said. Like the fence, they'll monitor the situation in the coming weeks to see if another officer should be added to the detail. If they determine another officer is needed, they'll bring the issue back to county officials, Baer said.

Baer and Mayor Thomas McDermott spoke with merchants in the vicinity of the construction zone about the meeting and what would happen with the fence. "We're doing the best we can," Baer said. "We're trying to do something that's the least imposing and keep it from looking more like a construction site."

County officials are overseeing a project to demolish and replace the Millburn Avenue bridge over the west branch of the Rahway River. The bridge is just east of Main Street. The project is expected to last about eight months.

Several changes have been made to downtown vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns. The sidewalk on the south side of the road is closed during the first phase of construction. There's also no left turns from Millburn Avenue onto Main Street during the first phase of construction. Police have been ticketing drivers who are making the left turn.