March 23, 2016 at 7:55 PM
STAFFORD, NJ - Today at 2 p.m. a meeting was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation at the Ship Bottom Borough Hall. The meeting's purpose was to give the community, business owners, residents and tourists an opportunity to view the design plans for the Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge Project. The briefing was held by the NJDOT staff and they updated the people on the current progress of the project. The leaders gave updates about the Thorofare Bridges Scour Protection plan along with Public Waterfront Access Improvements.
NJDOT employees began the presentation with a brief overview of the five contracted plans. The scour protections were discussed first. The department has added scour protections for the thorofare bridges. The staff added that "the scour protections will enhance the reliability and safety of structures.” The bridges are the only way on and off Long Beach Island and the plan is “designing protection in the case of an extreme event.”
The smaller thorofare bridges can't be completely destroyed and replaced due to the length of time that it would take to replace each and the lack of accessiblity for residents if that were to take place. The thorofare bridges are currently being renovated.
The smaller thorofare bridges can't be completely destroyed and replaced due to the length of time that it would take to replace each and the lack of accessiblity for residents if that were to take place. The thorofare bridges are currently being renovated.
The westbound thorofare bridge is currently being renovated. That is expected to be completed in the next 2-3 weeks. Traffic will be shifted back to two lanes during the peak summer months. The DOT will begin work on the eastbound thorofare bridges during the offseason.
In the next few weeks eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge. Westbound traffic will also be shifted onto the new bridge in the few weeks following the initial shift.
The DOT representatives could give no exact dates for the new traffic patterns, but total completion of the new bridge is expected no later than the end of July.
The new bridge will be 2,400 feet long and 55 feet over Manahawkin Bay. The bridge will still contain two 12 foot wide lanes like the former bridge. There will be a much larger shoulder and a walkway for pedestrians.
The new bridge will be 2,400 feet long and 55 feet over Manahawkin Bay. The bridge will still contain two 12 foot wide lanes like the former bridge. There will be a much larger shoulder and a walkway for pedestrians.
Once the new bridge is completely finished by July it will function for both eastbound and westbound traffic until the entire project project is complete.
The next contract will begin at the completion of this current contract. That new contract will last approximately 2-3 years. This contract includes the rehabilitation of the existing Manahawkin Bay Bridge.
The bridge deck will be removed and completely restructured. The project will be completed in 2020. The new span will provide for eastbound traffic and the restructured "old" bridge will provide for westbound traffic.
The bridge deck will be removed and completely restructured. The project will be completed in 2020. The new span will provide for eastbound traffic and the restructured "old" bridge will provide for westbound traffic.
Residents and citizens expressed a number of concerns during the meeting. A Cedar Bonnet Island resident expressed his concerns with the road near Dutchman’s that tends to be closed without notice at times during construction. This results in a detour to get to his home. Management from the Dutchman's Restaurant requested that a sign be posted to let people know when the underpass with access to his restaurant eastbound is closed. The DOT staff reassured all that the underpass will not be closed after May 15th.
This resident expressed concern about safety for Cedar Bonnet Island residents in the event of emergencies. Surf City Assistant Fire Chief Robert Luft spoke up and reassured the residents the neighboring fire and police departments have clear plans in place to assist those living on Cedar Bonnet Island.
A significant addition to the project is the recreational facilities that will be constructed according to the Public Access Plan. There will be nature trails, pavilions with beautiful views, fishing and crabbing areas for the public to enjoy near the large bridge.
A significant addition to the project is the recreational facilities that will be constructed according to the Public Access Plan. There will be nature trails, pavilions with beautiful views, fishing and crabbing areas for the public to enjoy near the large bridge.
Five parking lots will be constructed by the Spring of 2017. These public waterfront access improvements will provide an area of “ecotourism” for both locals and visitors to appreciate.
Drainage improvements will occur near the Wawa on 9th and Central Avenue in Ship Bottom. Additional information will be available at future public meetings. Central Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard at 8th and 9th Street in Ship Bottom will change to two way traffic. The plan is for these changes to be fully completed by 2020.
The DOT leadership closed the meeting thanking everyone for coming out and participating in the process. They shared that this is a “unique community compared to other towns in the state.” The community involvement has been an asset to insure that the project proceeds without delays.
You can get more info by clicking here: https://www.tapinto.net/articles/the-latest-manahawkin-bay-bridge-project-update
