HAZLET, NJ – Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering has closed the 10th Street Bridge following an inspection of the bridge’s timber substructure.

“We have closed the bridge for safety reasons,” Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone said. “The bridge’s timber substructure has sustained damage and is unsafe for continued motor vehicle use. Fortunately, design work for the planned replacement of the bridge is already under way.”

The bridge is at the intersection of 10^th Street, Munroe Avenue, Church Street and Creek Road at the border of Hazlet and Keansburg.

The County Division of Engineering will be requesting an expedited review by the NJ DEP to advance the reconstruction project.

County crews have evaluated the bridges timber piles and determined that an interim repair is not practical and that complete reconstruction of the bridge should be the focus on the County’s efforts.

“We are working to accelerate the replacement schedule and have already applied for the permits,” Arnone said. “As soon as we receive approval, we will be able to advertise for construction.”

Once construction begins, it is anticipated that it will take approximately eight months to complete the construction of a new bridge at the location.

“The County understands the inconvenience that this closure will have on the motoring public in Hazlet and Keansburg and we will work to get the bridge replaced as quickly as possible.” Arnone said.

In total, the County maintains of approximately 1,000 lane miles of roads, 980 bridges and culverts and 250 traffic signals and beacons.

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