County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

October 15, 2015

 

Replacement bridge in Howell opens

Traffic resumes on new Havens Bridge Road span on Oct. 15

 

HOWELL, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders cut a ribbon to open the newly constructed replacement bridge over the Manasquan River on Havens Bridge Road today, marking the complete replacement of the previous bridge. Pictured left to right: Howell Director of Community Development Jim Herman, County Public Works and Engineering Director John Tobia, Howell Deputy Mayor Rob Nicastro, Freeholder John Curley, Freeholder Thomas Arnone, Howell Mayor William Gotto, Freeholder Director Gary Rich, Sr., Freeholder Deputy, COO & President Tom Hardell, Rob Harms, Chief Exec. Officer, Dan Healey, Vice President of Engineering, George Harms, Chairman of the Board and Chris Carter, Senior Project Engineer.

“Reopening this bridge is very good news for local residents and businesses,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “The six month closure disrupted the flow of traffic, but we now have a new bridge that will serve the area well for a very long time.” 

Havens Bridge road links Adelphia-Farmingdale Road (CR 524) and Casino Drive.

Due to the extent of deterioration and the significant damage to the previous bridge, complete reconstruction was necessary.

The County contracted with Harms Construction Co. Inc. of Howell to rebuild the bridge. The contract completion date was set for October 16, weather permitting. 

Monmouth County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering closed the original bridge in early April due to deteriorated and failed pilings on the structure. One of the bridge’s three piers failed and caused a partial collapse of the bridge deck system.

During construction, Havens Bridge Road was open to local traffic only up to the point of the closure.

Following the bridge closure, the County met with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to obtain an emergency permit to replace the structure. The permit was received on May 19. The County awarded an emergency contract for reconstruction at the Board of Chosen Freeholders June 11 meeting.

“This closure was very inconvenient for local motorists,” Arnone said. “Work to expedite the permitting and contracting process made it possible to complete this project before the winter.

“We are pleased to add this bridge to the growing list of structures improved or reconstructed by the County,” said Arnone. “Also, we appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and the local residents in completing the project.

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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