RED BANK – Monmouth County will implement new traffic patterns on County Route 520, Newman Springs Road, as the project to replace the bridge decks over the Swimming River continues.
“The new traffic patterns are needed to advance the second phase of the project, which is on schedule; travelers should plan alternate routes when possible,” Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone said.
The bridge will continue to be open to vehicular traffic throughout the project, but traffic through the work area is restricted to a single lane in each direction.
The eastbound side traffic was moved on Monday, Aug. 5, from the inside lane to the outside lane. It is anticipated that on Monday, Aug. 19, the westbound lane will be changed from the inside lane to the outside lane as well.
Pedestrian access across the bridge and through the project site is not permitted during the construction time.
Motorists should still expect delays and are encouraged to plan alternate routes. The posted speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph during bridge project.
“Deterioration of the bridge surface over the past four decades has significantly advanced to the point that the entire deck needed to be replaced in its entirety,” Arnone said. “The work that will be completed under this contract will bring this bridge into compliance with current standards and will extend its life by an additional 30 to 40 years.”
The Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering is overseeing the project.
All vehicular travel lanes are expected to be restored to normal operation by mid-October.
