Route 552 bridge re-opened
The Route 552 (Mays Landing Road) bridge, damaged in the August 20 storm that flooded locations throughout southern New Jersey, re-opened to traffic today following an expedited rebuilding effort.
"In times of crisis, all levels of government must come together to help the public," said U.S. Representative Frank LoBiondo. "The magnitude of this storm and the extent of damage it caused throughout southern New Jersey presented a challenge to all of us. The re-opening of this bridge today shows that the challenge has been met."
Route 552 is a major corridor in Cumberland County, carrying an average of 6,100 vehicles each weekday. The bridge spans the Menantico Creek in Vineland.
"The re-opening of the bridge means that regional mobility has been restored for Cumberland County residents," State Assemblyman Nick Asselta said. "Commuters and area businesses will benefit from this fast repair project."
State Transportation Commissioner John J. Haley Jr. noted that Departmental resources were quickly brought to bear following the deluge across southern New Jersey. Initial efforts focused on bringing variable message signboards, arrowboards, cones and other traffic control devices to the area to establish road closures and detour routes immediately following the storm.
"Governor Whitman made storm cleanup and restoration of services a priority and all areas within the Department of Transportation have worked toward those goals," Haley said. "The elected officials from this area, especially Freeholder-Director Doug Fisher and Mayor Anthony Campanella, made it clear that quick action was needed and that message was taken to heart."
The Route 552 bridge repair project cost approximately $1 million. W.T. Welding and Contracting Co. Inc. of Mount Laurel performed the work.
| 
