For Immediate Release:
March 15, 2012  

Oceanic Bridge rehabilitation work continues
Project on schedule for reopening Memorial Day Weekend

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Rehabilitation work on the county’s Oceanic Bridge between Rumson and Middletown is proceeding on schedule as much of the work on the 100-foot, center-bascule span shifts from the north leaf to the south leaf.  

In the past month, the temporary platform along both fascias and in the counterweight area of the north leaf was relocated to the south leaf. Painters started operations on the north bascule leaf to clean, prime and touch up areas. The steel plates in the north counterweight were replaced with the new lead bricks and a new counterweight pocket cover was installed. Electrical upgrade work was completed as well.

More detailed information about the repair work is available in the March 2012 Oceanic Bridge FAQ that is posted on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.

“This project continues to be on schedule in order for the bridge to reopen for Memorial Day Weekend,” Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “The bridge must remain closed so that the work can be performed in the most expedient and cost-effective manner.”

Rehabilitation of the bascule span includes removal of the grid deck and construction of a new grid deck along with the rehabilitation or removal and replacement of stringers, floor beams, supporting steelwork and a catwalk. Also, work to strengthen structural steel and repair mechanical and electrical systems is being done along with the cleaning and painting of the existing bascule span steel.

The nature of the work requires that the center, movable sections of the bridge be removed and resurfaced. In addition, work to the machinery, motor brakes and bascule span lock mechanism must be done. As parts are taken out of service, they are repaired, reinstalled and tested in phases. Work on different elements and sections are being done simultaneously to limit the length of time the bridge is closed to the traveling public.

The Oceanic Bridge connects Bingham Avenue (CR-8) in Rumson to Locust Point Road (CR-8B) in Middletown; both are county roads. The Oceanic Bridge is the largest of all 980 county-owned bridges and culverts, which are maintained by the Department of Public Works and Engineering.

In addition to the Oceanic Bridge, there are three other movable drawbridges that are monitored and maintained by the county’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. Arnone is the freeholder liaison to the department.

To accommodate marine traffic, one section of the bridge’s double-leaf bascule span is being kept in the upright position.

Iron Bridge Group Inc. of North Brunswick was awarded a contract for the rehabilitation work in the amount of $3,554,380. The work is being done with oversight by county’s Department of Public Works and Engineering.

Information about the Oceanic Bridge and other county road and bridge projects is available on the Roads and Bridges section of the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
 
“During this project, all vehicle traffic is being diverted east or west,” Arnone said. “Motorists should use the signed detours and anticipate travel delays during this time.”

All motor vehicle traffic on Bingham Avenue between Rumson and Middletown (CR-8) is being detoured west, through Fair Haven and Red Bank to Middletown, or east, through Sea Bright and Highlands to Middletown.

Northbound traffic from Rumson on Bingham Avenue (CR-8) is detoured east through Fair Haven and Red Bank on East River Road (CR-10) to East Front Street to Route 35 North to Navesink River Road (CR-12A) in Middletown. Or, northbound traffic can detour from Bingham Avenue south, turn left onto Rumson Road (CR-520) to Sea Bright and turn left onto Ocean Avenue (Route 36 North) to Highlands and take the jug handle for Navesink Avenue in Middletown. Follow Navesink Avenue and turn left onto Locust Avenue and left again onto Locust Point Road (CR-8B).

Southbound traffic from Middletown is detoured west on Navesink River Road (CR-12A) to Route 35 South in Red Bank. And then will follow detour signs to travel west on East Front Street (CR10)/ East River Road through Fair Haven and into Rumson. Or, southbound traffic can detour from Navesink River Road (CR-12A)/ Locust Point Road (CR-8B) and turn right onto Locust Avenue, turning right onto Navesink Avenue and then bear right onto Route 36 South through Highlands and into Sea Bright. Turn right onto the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge and follow Rumson Road (CR-520) west to Bingham Avenue. Turn right onto Bingham Avenue (CR-8).