On July 13, 2004, a major storm in Burlington and Camden counties resulted in serious flooding affecting roadways and bridge structures.
Route 70 is a vital east-west corridor through Burlington County and carries a significant amount of traffic from the Philadelphia area to the New Jersey shore.
Quickly reopening Route 70 to motorists became our top priority.
The emergency contractor Industrial Engineering Works, Inc., of Hamiliton was called in to assess the damage and work with NJDOT personnel to determine necessary repairs. We originally estimated that the roadway would be closed for 7-10 days until a temporary bridge could be built and Route 70 reopened to traffic.
The temporary bridge, a 130-foot, 150 ton steel truss bridge, was constructed on-site and lowered into place by two 550 ton, hydraulic lift cranes. Work has begun on the permanent structure and I am hopeful that it will be completed this Fall.
The continued efforts by NJDOT employees, design and construction contractors, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, PSE&G and Burlington County led to the quick response of an emergency situation and a solution for area residents and motorists.
