McGreevey Announces $28 Million
for Reconstruction of Victory Bridge

Governor says repair of New Jersey’s aging bridges is a top priority

Joined by Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas, the Governor said the improvements to the 76 year old bridge would include replacing the moveable swing span with a 110 foot fixed-span structure, widening travel lanes and building inside shoulders, a sidewalk for pedestrians and 10-foot outside shoulders that will be compatible for bicyclists.

“The $28 million investment in the Victory Bridge is an example of our administration’s commitment to replace and restore New Jersey’s aging bridges,” said McGreevey. “Even in tight budgetary times, we have an obligation to ensure that the State’s transportation infrastructure is safe and efficient.”

The Victory Bridge, which was built in 1926, carries Route 35 over the Raritan River. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2003 and is expected to be complete in 2005. Overall, the State will invest over $100 million in the reconstruction of the Victory Bridge.

McGreevey noted that the Victory Bridge project is just one of three major bridge construction projects ongoing or set to begin over the Raritan River. The reconstruction of the Route 9 Edison Bridge, which complements a new Route 9 span that was opened to traffic last year, is scheduled for completion in 2004. Also, the construction of a new span next to the Garden State Parkway’s Driscoll Bridge is scheduled to begin construction this fall.

In addition, a fourth project will begin this fall to reconstruct the Victory Circle, where Routes 9 and 35 converge in Sayreville. All together, the three bridge repairs and improvements to Victory Circle represent a $450 million investment by the State to improve traffic over the Raritan River and to make roads safer.

“We have already begun investing approximately $450 million in this area alone to replace and fix the Route 9 Edison Bridge, the Parkway’s Driscoll Bridge, the Victory Bridge and to eliminate the Victory Circle,” the Governor continued. “We are investing our dollars wisely and have come up with some very innovative ways to fund badly needed projects, like the Driscoll Bridge replacement.”

The Governor also said the State will spend over $170 million on various transportation projects throughout Middlesex County. This investment by the State comprises at least 20 different projects including roadway improvements, congestion relief, bridge replacements and highway extensions.