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Fort Lee Prepared To Close Streets In Wake Of Construction Traffic

FORT LEE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - With major construction on the Alexander Hamilton Bridge, it's so far, so good near the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee.

But that could change, and the borough's mayor told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams that his town is ready to deal with it.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

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"Listen Sean, you know in my business as an elected official, there's nothing better than false alarms," Mayor Mark Sokolich told him on Friday. "The five-foot snowstorm that doesn't come, or the hurricane that misses the area."

Sokolich said he believes drivers are heading the warnings about the Alexander Hamilton Bridge reconstruction.

"They've headed to the warnings. They've come up with alternate routes. They've staggered the tiimes that they're going to work, and thank goodness they're not using Fort Lee as a shortcut thus far," he said.

If they decide to test the waters, and backups develop, Fort Lee is ready to respond.

"If we have to, we're gonna shut down the local roads and accesses to Fort Lee for health, safety, and welfare for our residents," he said.

In neighboring Leonia, Police Chief Jay Ziegler said it doesn't look like drivers are trying to cut through local streets there.

"I'm still concerned, however, for what might happen in September when schools are back in session and people are not on vacation," he told Adams.

If need be, Leonia will regulate traffic as well.

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