Route 9 shifts announced over Westecunk Creek
Bridge deck replacement work begins in Eagleswood Township

The Department’s $2.9 million federally-funded project began utility relocations in March. NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction Inc., is scheduled to remove the existing sidewalk and bridge parapet on the southbound side of Route 9 this week to set up for the first stage of bridge reconstruction.

During the first stage of construction the northbound side of the bridge will be replaced with traffic shifted onto the southbound side utilizing the outside shoulder. Traffic then will be shifted onto the newly constructed northbound side of the structure while the southbound side of the bridge is reconstructed. Periodic single-lane closures with alternating traffic patterns will be necessary overnight.

NJDOT is replacing the bridge in stages so that one travel lane on Route 9 will remain open to traffic in both directions during peak hours.

The existing, structurally deficient bridge will be fully replaced and the bridge approaches will be resurfaced. The new structure will be raised approximately 22 inches to meet current federal standards and help mitigate the flooding issues that trouble Route 9 at this location. The new bridge will feature one 12-foot wide travel lane and a 10-foot wide shoulder in each direction. New sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the bridge.

The existing bridge was built in 1925 and carries approximately 13,000 vehicles every day over the Westecunk Creek, but that number rises in the summer season.

Dynamic Message Signs will notify motorists of any upcoming traffic pattern changes. NJDOT anticipates the project being completed in spring 2013.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org real-time travel information.