Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge over Shrewsbury River now open to all motor vehicle traffic
'Just a few years ago, we were gathered here breaking ground on this ambitious project,' said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, whose county government is responsible for the bridge. 'At that time, I said how proud I was to be able to put a shovel in the ground to get this important work underway. Today, I'm even prouder to stand here as we prepare to cut the ribbon on a modern, safer, and more resilient movable bridge that will serve our residents, businesses, visitors, and emergency responders for generations to come.'
The more than $138 million span replaces its predecessor, which opened in 1950 and had approached the end of its lifespan. Moreover, the old bridge had structural and functional limitations, which did not meet contemporary design standards, according to county engineers.
Working with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, the county was able to secure federal grants that covered the cost of planning and building the new structure, Arnone said.
Earlier: New Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge to open Thursday, expect traffic delays: Cops
Such planning, engineering, right of way and permitting costs were $10.9 million; the actual construction of the bridge cost $111.5 million; inspection and administrative services cost $9.5 million and construction support services were $6.8 million, he said.
The county Board of Commissioners broke ground on the project in November 2021.
As its name implies, the more than 600-foot drawbridge connects the boroughs of Sea Bright and Rumson over the Shrewsbury River on County Road 520, which is called Rumson Road in the borough for which the street is named. In Sea Bright, the ramps to and from the bridge connect to Route 36, also called Ocean Avenue in that borough.
A 2013 study to replace the old bridge determined there was not enough room to build a new one high enough to allow marine traffic to pass beneath it, without interruption to motor vehicle traffic. Significant impacts to properties, roadways, and intersections at both approaches were obstacles. For example, on the Sea Bright side, the intersection would have to have been raised, which would have impacted the surrounding streets, Riverfront Park, private properties, their driveways, and parking.
Rumson Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill and Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly participated in the opening ceremony on Thursday.
'To our Monmouth County Commissioners, your support and vision for this new bridge has led this project from concept to completion,' Hemphill said. 'Your belief in the importance of this link, for all Monmouth County residents, including those from the communities of both Rumson and Sea Bright, has not gone unnoticed and will be appreciated by countless Monmouth County residents for many years to come.'
"The Borough Council and I are proud to play a role in the Rumson–Sea Bright Bridge project,' Kelly said. 'This bridge stands as a testament to what can be achieved when multiple public agencies come together to deliver vital infrastructure that enhances safety, promotes sustainability and serves our communities for generations to come."
The police departments in Rumson and Sea Bright opened the bridge to all motor vehicle traffic at about 4 p.m. Thursday.
Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge over Shrewsbury River in NJ open to traffic
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