Route 35 Cheesequake Creek drawbridge to resume openings for marine traffic next week
Half-hour testing periods scheduled Monday through Wednesday
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that the Route 35 drawbridge over Cheesequake Creek connecting Old Bridge and Sayreville in Middlesex County will resume drawbridge operations for marine access next week. The drawbridge has not opened for marine vessels – except for emergency access - since November 2012.
Beginning on Monday, April 8 and running through Wednesday, April 10, NJDOT will be running electrical equipment testing on the bridge, requiring periodic 15-minute openings of the bridge. Pending the outcome of the testing, the drawbridge is planned to resume normal operation by Thursday, April 11. Dynamic Message Signs are in place notifying motorists of the bridge opening plan.
NJDOT continues to advance the ongoing $25 million project to replace the old bridge decks, sidewalks, railings and median on the 70-year-old structure. NJDOT’s contractor, Agate Construction Co., completed the rehabilitation of the southbound side of the bridge in spring 2012 and has been working on the northbound half since last September with traffic reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction). The northbound reconstruction is expected to be finished before May 15, at which time all four travel lanes (two in each direction) will be restored for the summer season.
The project remains on schedule to be complete by fall 2013.
The Department advises motorists in the area to expect traffic delays throughout the morning. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel information.
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