“This project, along with the nearby Main Street Bridge replacement, are finishing just ahead of the kick-off to the summer season and will alleviate traffic for local residents and make it easier for visitors to arrive at their destination,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, who oversees the Department of Public Works and Engineering and Tourism office. “Traffic will move smoothly through the towns which are gateways to Monmouth County beaches. I thank the homeowners and businesses for their patience and I look forward to a bridge that will last many years and help draw tourists to the area.

“I know the residents are relieved as well as the local businesses that depend on increased sales from tourists,” added Arnone. “This area was prone to slow traffic which needed to be fixed. This was an example of a job well done. The first-class workmanship helps the people who live here and visitors who want to enjoy a day at the beach travel safely and efficiently.”

The new bridge is 51 feet wide with two 12-foot travel lanes and 6-foot shoulders and 6-foot sidewalks in both directions. It replaces the previous span that was built in 1926.

The replacement bridge included the construction of a new four-span pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete I-beam bridge and improvements to nearby roads. The job also included the removal and re-routing of existing utilities and demolishing the existing bridge.

“This area of Monmouth County becomes congested at off-peak hours and it only gets worse during the important summer season,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, who also oversees the Tourism office. “The timing on this project and the Main Street Bridge project benefits many groups. I give credit to the construction companies that completed this important work before the holiday weekend.”

Just before the ceremonial ribbon cutting, Freeholders Arnone and DiMaso, Asbury Park Mayor John Moor and Ocean Township Mayor Chris Siciliano recognized Donna Logdon, owner of the Sunset Landing Luncheonette with a recognition certificate. Logdon was named honorary “Mayor for the Day” in Asbury Park. Her term in office “expires” at midnight tonight.

In the area of the bridge, construction work will be ongoing for several weeks. Finishing work on the bridge and its approaches will be completed that will provide an ADA accessible route along Sunset Avenue from Ocean Township to Asbury Park. 

Work on the $7.4 million Sunset Avenue Bridge replacement project was done by Kyle Conti Construction, from Hillsborough, NJ. The Federal Highway Authority paid for 99 percent of the project costs, and Monmouth County contributed less than half a percent. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority was involved in coordinating funding the project.

The previous Sunset Avenue Bridge closed to traffic on Jan. 30, 2016.

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