LONG BRANCH – Work to rehabilitate the bridge deck on the Branchport Avenue bridge, over Branchport Creek, has been delayed.
“Despite the preconstruction testing and evaluation of the bridge, once the bridge’s upper deck layer was removed it was evident that additional work was required to repair the bridge deck before the new surface can be applied,” Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “It is unfortunate that this bridge will not be open in time for the unofficial start of summer,” he continued. “It is important that the work is completed correctly to ensure the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The bridge will open as soon as is prudent and possible.”
Once the latex modified concrete overlay on existing bridge deck is applied and has cured to the necessary strength, the bridge will reopen. It is anticipated that the surface will be applied Wednesday, May 22, weather permitting.
In the area of the bridge, the roadway is closed to vehicular traffic, but open to pedestrian traffic. The bridge connects Oceanport and Long Branch.
“The replacement of the bridge’s deck work will extend the usable life of this bridge,” Arnone said.
The scope of this project includes repairs to the existing bridge deck including performing miscellaneous deck, sidewalk and curb spall repairs and the construction of a latex modified concrete overlay on existing bridge deck.
This Branchport Avenue project began in April and was expected to have been substantially complete by Memorial Day weekend.
The Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering is overseeing the project.
