Route 35 Coopers Bridge Opened to Traffic
Deputy Transportation Commissioner Albert Ari joined state and local officials to cut the ribbon for the new Route 35 Coopers Bridge over the Navesink River in Red Bank and Middletown today.
Work was accelerated on the project to complete the $18 million replacement bridge ahead of the peak summer travel season.
"By working together and partnering, we were able to achieve today’s ribboncutting," Deputy Commissioner Ari said. "Mayors McKenna and Peters deserve our thanks and appreciation for their commitment to working with us."
Route 35 is a key summer travel route in Monmouth County, and the Coopers Bridge is a major link between Middletown and Red Bank. Built in 1925, the original bridge had no major reconstruction in its 75 year life. The new bridge features both functional and aesthetic improvements over the old bridge. Included in the design are decorative lighting, textured side panels and brick-patterned walkways. The project is 100 percent federally funded.
The project’s success was due, in part, to the Construction Outreach Team created by NJDOT. The Team began its work in 1998, and established a partnering effort comprised of municipal leaders, community organizations, traffic engineers, representatives from local and regional organizations, public officials, NJ TRANSIT, the Highway Authority, and Monmouth County.
"I would like to thank area residents, businesses and motorists for their patience and support. Today’s ceremony is a tribute to the hard work, perseverance and cooperation of all involved," Ari said.
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