FRANKLIN - The state Department of Transportation temporarily suspended work recently on the Route 518 Bridge between Rocky Hill Borough and Franklin Township after workers discovered a chemical in the ground and water near the construction site.

Creosote, a wood treatment chemical, has been discovered in the ground along with water near the project, said New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman Stephen Shapiro Tuesday in a statement.

Both the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park have been notified, according to Shapiro.

"The temporary stop-work order was put in place while we established an environmental plan," he said.

No timetable has been put in place for the resumption of the much-anticipated bridge project, which has snarled rush-hour traffic the area and caused businesses to shut down.

The $2.75 million project, which was resumed in November thanks to efforts by the Somerset County Freeholders, in collaboration with State Sen. Kip Bateman (R-16th) and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16th), was scheduled to be completed by the end of February after months of delays.

Stalled bridge work hurting businesses

The bridge was originally scheduled to close on July 6 and reopen on Aug. 5.

But two days after replacement construction began on the bridge, it was stopped when Gov. Chris Christie announced that he would shut down nonessential state-funded road projects amid a stalemate with state Senate lawmakers over a plan to fund the state's nearly broke Transportation Trust Fund.

Residents and local leaders were outraged by the decision because the bridge is an essential roadway in the area. County officials wonder why construction was even started in the midst of an impending political showdown.

Since then, road rage incidents in the area have increased.

"NJDOT understands that this project is locally sensitive and we are working as quickly as possible to resolve the issue and complete the reconstruction of the bridge, but these types of unexpected environmental issues demand immediate attention to ensure the safety of the workers and the residents," Shapario said.

Gov. Christie has blamed the state Senate for the gridlock, and signed an executive order allowing the state treasurer to redirect funding from any state department to pay for essential projects or those with matching federal funding.

According to the order, essential projects are those necessary "for the protection of the health, safety and welfare" of residents.

County lawmakers and residents feel the Route 518 Bridge falls into that category.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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