I am writing to complain about the inconvenience and unbelievable amount of time it has taken to replace the bridge at Echo Lake Park on Maxim-Southard Road in Howell. This so-called replacement work was initiated last summer and, per the Howell website, was supposed to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.

We drive up Maxim-Southard Road almost daily as our pharmacy, grocery store and other retail establishments are in the Howell Commons shopping center between Locust Avenue and Lanes Mill Road.

However, we can no longer get to Lanes Mill Road due to this construction, and must now drive through the entire Howell Commons in order to reach some of these stores.

During the Christmas holidays this was an absolute nightmare due to the increased traffic in the shopping center, and it is still inconvenient as it is necessary to constantly stop for pedestrians and traffic signs.

I fail to understand the reason for the delay. We have driven to the “construction” site many times over the past six months and there has never once been a crew, or anyone for that matter, working on the bridge.

It seems it was ripped apart and that machinery was dropped off and abandoned for more important repairs elsewhere. For those of us living in the northeastern end of Howell, who are trying to keep local businesses afloat, this is and has been a huge annoyance.

This is a very small bridge and there is no reason why the replacement could not have been completed by Dec. 31 as promised.

As it is, repairs to the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike are done more quickly and efficiently. True to form, Howell cannot seem to get its act together and complete a project expeditiously and efficiently.

Pam Brezina
Howell