NJDOT replaces Route 56

Rainbow Lake Bridge in Pittsgrove

State completes construction in less than six months

“NJDOT’s emergency replacement of the Route 56 Rainbow Lake Bridge will revitalize commerce and improve safety and traffic flow in the Pittsgrove area,” said Commissioner Kolluri. “By building a new bridge, NJDOT will help the community to overcome the impact of the April 2007 Nor’easter’s upon its quality of life and economy.”

“This area of roadway is a major route of transportation in South Jersey. I am pleased that repairs were done quickly and done in a way that will prevent a crisis like this from happening in the future,” said State Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (D- Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester).

The emergency bridge replacement project began in June and was completed two months ahead of schedule. NJDOT planned to open the new bridge to traffic by December 31, 2007.

“Building a bridge can take many months, even years to complete,” said Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D- Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester). “We are grateful that this project was expedited and that this roadway will be fully functional earlier than expected.”

“Local businesses and residents in the area depend heavily on this vital thoroughfare,” said Assemblyman Douglas H. Fisher (D- Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester). “It’s vital to the economic well-being of both Cumberland and Salem Counties that this highway was repaired as expeditiously as possible.”

The new $5.5 million bridge is a 110-foot long, five foot high, two-span structure. It carries one lane of traffic in each direction and is designed to meet 100-year flood requirements. NJDOT also built a 200-foot spillway structure with a flood gate and fish ladder in order to mitigate flooding by releasing floodwater and guiding it downstream.

The Department is finishing up construction on the replacement of a new Route 56 bridge over the Maurice River, to the east of this location, as well.