FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2008

Freeholders dedicate new bridge in Upper Freehold
Opening marks the end to nine months of detours 

UPPER FREEHOLD – It took nine months to complete, but now that the new bridge is finished area residents can once again use Holmes Mill Road to cross over Lahaway Creek. The bridge was reopened this morning with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This new bridge will serve area residents well for many years to come,” said Freeholder William C. Barham, liaison to the county’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “The bridge that was removed had been built in 1931, so we really have gotten very good use out of it over the past 75 years. The new bridge will last at least that long and serve the area well.”

Reconstruction of the bridge, along what is also known locally as County Route 27, involved the complete removal of an existing bridge and construction of a new single-span bridge with reinforced concrete abutments. The new bridge will carry two lanes of traffic with shoulders, plus 6-foot-wide sidewalks on each side with concrete railings.  

“I want to thank the residents here in Upper Freehold for their patience during the construction phase, because I know they have been inconvenienced by the detour,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “But now that the bridge is finished, I think they will agree the temporary inconvenience for this long-term improvement was worth the wait.” 

“I thank the freeholders for giving us this beautiful new bridge,” Upper Freehold Mayor Stephen J. Alexander said. “As expected, the detour did cause some travel difficulties, but I agree the wait was well worth it. Considering the condition of the old bridge, replacement was absolutely necessary in order to guarantee safe travel over this portion of Lahaway Creek.”   

This project was begun in July 2007 and was built by Lucas Brothers Inc., Marlboro, at a cost of $1.2 million.

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