NJDOT to repair the Route 49 approach to Salem River Bridge in Pennsville

Staged construction will keep the highway open to motorists

The $4.4 million, state-funded project will repair the roadway approach to the bridge on the Pennsville (west) side of the bridge to stabilize the roadway. The project will replace the existing embankment and restore a sheet pile wall. In addition to reconstructing the approach, NJDOT will resurface the roadway approaches on Route 49 in on the west side of the bridge.

NJDOT’s contractor, R.E. Pierson Construction, is scheduled to close the eastbound half of the bridge on Thursday, February 20 to install concrete barrier curb and restripe lanes. Traffic on Route 49 will be shifted onto the westbound side of the bridge and maintained in both directions utilizing the shoulder as a travel lane.

NJDOT has designed the work to be performed in stages, closing half of the bridge for reconstruction at a time with all traffic shifted onto the other half of the bridge. The first stage is anticipated to last through late summer 2014 at which time the contractor will then close the westbound half of the bridge and shift all traffic onto the eastbound side.

Variable message signs will be deployed on Route 49 to alert motorists of the upcoming traffic pattern changes. NJDOT anticipates completing the project in the fall 2014.

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 for real-time travel information.