Mercer County, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

030 is the general encroachment-permit statute for any private use of a County road right-of-way: excavating, opening or damaging the roadway surface, tying into the County storm drain system, or building a new or modified driveway or intersection all require a combined Roadway Construction Permit and Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit (RCP/ROWOP). 030(A) makes it 'unlawful for any person or persons, firm, corporation, or municipality to make any excavation in, or to open, or damage the surface of any road or street' or 'any portion of the Mercer County right-of-way or permanent easement' without written County Engineer approval.

Examples triggering the permit under (B)(1) include excavation within the pavement, manholes, pipe, trenching, curb, new driveway construction, tree planting and sign installation. 030(C)(3). Every application must carry public liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage, and post a performance and maintenance bond that stays in force for two years after final pavement restoration is approved. weekdays, absent a Road Supervisor emergency finding, and closing a County road outright needs sign-off from both the County Engineer and the local municipality.