Route 9 shift announced over Westecunk Creek
Replacement of northbound bridge deck complete
in Eagleswood Township
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that Route 9 traffic will be shifted as construction advances on the replacement of the bridge deck over the Westecunk Creek in Eagleswood Township, Ocean County.
On Thursday night, December 27, NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction Inc., is scheduled to shift two-way traffic onto the newly reconstructed northbound half of the bridge and set up the new construction zone on the southbound half of the Route 9 bridge.
The Department’s $2.9 million federally-funded project began preliminary construction in March 2012. 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 but periodic single-lane closures with alternating traffic patterns will continue to be necessary overnight.
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 are in place to notify motorists of 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 for real-time travel information.
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