Safety concerns cited in bridge project

Safety concerns cited in bridge project
DOT spokeswoman says work will be complete this month
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer

LONG BRANCH — Reconstruction of the Park Avenue Bridge in Elberon is complete, but there are still some unfinished work and safety hazards that need to be completed, according to Long Branch Councilmen Brian Unger.

Unger called a press conference April 21 to draw attention to what he said is unfinished work and conditions that pose dangers to pedestrians and vehicles on the bridge, which is located in the Elberon section of the city.

The bridge, which is about 51 feet long, reopened Jan. 2 after being closed for more than a year and a half to allow for complete reconstruction of the span.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed the $6.7 million replacement of the functionally obsolete bridge with a new structure that features improved vertical clearance and sight distance, according to a press release from the DOT.

DOT spokeswoman Erin Phalon said Monday that all remaining work will be completed by late May.

Among the conditions Unger said need attention are: garbage and debris cleanup; removal of plastic temporary fencing; an exposed gas pipe; and conditions that could result in traffic accidents on the bridge.

The bridge is currently not protected on both sides, which could be a problem for anyone traveling over the bridge on foot or in a vehicle, according to Unger.

"The fencing along the side walls is a problem," Unger said. "A pedestrian or a child could easily fall over the side there. Also, a car could slide off the road and go over."

He also cited an exposed gas pipe as one of the major problems resulting from the reconstruction of the bridge.

"Any vandal can literally cut into the gas line," Unger said. "A car could also expose the gas line. There needs to be a cover. There is nothing to protect the gas pipe right now."

Phalon said there is a plan in place for the DOT to construct a concrete cap for the gas line.

"We relocated the gas line, and it left 10 feet of it exposed," Phalon explained. "We will construct a concrete cap to cover it once the construction to Lincoln Court is completed."

There is also the issue of debris and garbage on the site.

"With the construction debris, I understand that is the responsibility of the construction company," Unger said. "But apparently somebody has tossed their household garbage on site and expected it to be taken care of. That is the responsibility of the city to pick up."

Despite the conditions created by the bridge project, Unger said the bridge reconstruction was necessary.

"The bridge was falling apart before," Unger said. "It was literally crumbling."

The project included upgrades to the roadway that approaches the bridge from Woodgate Avenue and Park Lane. The intersections of Park Avenue with Woodgate Avenue, Truax Street, Lincoln Court and Jim Lynch Drive are also being improved.

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com.


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