Rainbow Lake Bridge is open for business

NJDOT outdid itself when it completed the repair and replacement of the Route 56 Rainbow Dam and Bridge in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County on November 2 instead of December 31. Because of the Department’s commitment to complete this project as soon as possible after a devastating Nor’easter hit the area on April 17, and the indeterminable follow through on the rebuilding effort, the new $5.5 million bridge was completed almost two months ahead of time.

The project is an example of a win-win situation for the residents, local businesses, commuters and for the state. It opens the area to commerce and travel, and eliminates the detours that were necessary during the rebuilding effort. Perhaps the greatest plus for the completion of the project is the opening of streets to businesses, particularly at the holiday season.

NJDOT replaced the failed Rainbow Lake Dam and roadway with a new one that meets the 100-year-flood requirements.

For example, on Route 56 between Route 55 and Kenyon Avenue, all major thorofares were closed to traffic during construction. Variable Message Signs and temporary traffic signals were used to assist in traffic control. Consumers had to take detours to shop, and while NJDOT made certain there were adequate signs to direct shoppers, the detours lengthened the average drive.

In addition to the 110-foot long bridge, NJDOT also built a 200-foot spillway structure with a flood gate and fish ladder that will release floodwater and guide it downstream.