Elizabeth report warns of threats, drivers trying to hit Hillside workers
An Aug. 21 town report describes threats and vehicle attempts involving Hillside construction workers but does not provide an incident count or confirm injuries, arrests or permanent work-zone safety changes.
An Elizabeth town administrator’s report warns that Hillside construction workers have faced physical threats and attempts by drivers to hit or scare them, but it does not provide an incident count or confirm injuries, arrests or vehicle strikes.
The Aug. 21 report was prepared for the Elizabeth Board of Trustees’ Aug. 25 meeting. It directs the contractor to document every incident and record the identities involved. Police Chief Jeff Engel said police would increase protection for workers and attempt arrests when conduct threatens their safety, according to the town administrator’s report.
The report does not identify specific incident dates, times or locations within the Hillside work zone. It also does not say that a worker was injured or that a Hillside-related arrest, citation or summons had occurred.
The town describes the Hillside and Wade Park project as involving concrete, paving and utility work, with heavy truck traffic expected during part of the project, according to the town’s construction update. The report identifies signage, public messaging, website information, contractor incident documentation and increased police visibility as work-zone safety measures. It does not specify a permanent traffic-control plan or a completion date for any such changes.