NJDOT will open new Park Avenue
bridge over NJ Transit rail line in Long Branch

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced the opening of the new Park Avenue Bridge over NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast rail line in Long Branch, Monmouth County. Park Avenue has been closed to traffic since July 2007.

“NJDOT’s replacement of the structurally deficient Park Avenue Bridge demonstrates the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure and the quality of life for Monmouth County residents,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

On Friday night, January 2, NJDOT will reopen Park Avenue to traffic in Long Branch. NJDOT has completed the $6.7 million state-funded replacement of the structurally deficient and functionally obsolete Park Avenue Bridge with a new structure that features improved vertical clearance and sight distance.

NJDOT has upgraded the roadway approaches of the bridge from Woodgate Avenue and Park Lane as part of the project. The intersections of Park Avenue with Woodgate Avenue, Truax Street, Lincoln Court and Jim Lynch Drive are also being improved. Lincoln Court will remain closed to through traffic until the road work is complete. The entire project is scheduled for completion in July 2009.

NJDOT will use portable variable messaging signs on Route 71 and local roads to inform motorists of the traffic pattern changes. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org.