FORT LEE — Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich said he has accepted an in-person apology from Gov. Chris Christie for the September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge.

"He assured us this would never happen again," Sokolich said this afternoon.

Christie arrived at the Fort Lee municipal building around 4:15 p.m. and left around 4:45 p.m., as more than 100 reporters watched behind barricades.

About a half-hour later, Sokolich emerged with members of the Borough council and the police chief. He told reporters the meeting was "very productive and very cordial."

Sokolich said he appreciated that the governor took time to visit Fort Lee, "and took a step in regaining the trust of this region."

Asked if he believed Christie when the governor said he had been unaware of the lane closures until Wednesday, Sokolich said, "I take him at his word."

Sokolich also clarified comments he made earlier today about not wanting the governor to come Fort Lee because it would be disruptive. He said he did not mean it literally and that he "would always welcome the governor here."

Sokolich said earlier today that he would accept the governor's apology but also wants to see if more details emerge from investigations.

Sokolich said he believed the governor was sincere when he apologized about emails and text messages that seem to reveal his aide wanted highway lanes near the foot of the George Washington Bridge closed because the Democratic mayor wasn't endorsing the Republican governor's re-election bid.

Christie fired the aide, Bridget Anne Kelly, this morning.

Sokolich said he hopes Christie will apologize again if investigations reveal additional findings.

The September lane closures caused major traffic back-ups throughout Fort Lee. Ironically, Christie's appearance in the borough today caused a major traffic jam.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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