Work to replace Lodi's Passaic Avenue Bridge will take a year. Prepare for detours
LODI — The Passaic Avenue Bridge that crosses over the flood-prone Saddle River will be replaced beginning next month in a $3.5 million, yearlong project.
Almost 10,000 cars daily travel across the 121-year-old bridge, which is classified as "functionally obsolete." The project, which calls for road closures and detours, is fully funded through several grants that date back to 2020, when the Bergen County Board of Commissioners approved $300,000.
Marbro Inc. was awarded the contract with an estimated $3.5 million budget. Construction for the project will begin shortly after a scheduled notice in May.
The replacement will take a year, and officials have said the project is "long overdue," especially after recent significant flooding in the area.
Since the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the area in September 2021, the bridge's sidewalks have been closed, Mayor Scott Luna said. Though there hasn't been significant damage to the bridge from the floods, the water has topped over the bridge during storms.
"We are taking proactive measures to address the ongoing challenges faced by the borough of Lodi and its residents due to the deficiencies of this particular bridge," Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan said. "By committing resources to enhancing the Passaic Avenue Bridge, we aim to prioritize the safety of our residents and ensure the resilience of our infrastructure."
After completion, financial reimbursement will come from the state Department of Transportation's Local Bridge Fund program.
The existing bridge, a 62-foot, single-span, through girder bridge with an open steel grating deck, built in 1903, has been a source of concern for residents and officials due to its deficiencies.
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The bridge will be replaced with a modern structure that will feature a single-span, steel girder superstructure that supports a reinforced concrete deck, equipped with two 12-foot-wide travel lanes, 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides and shoulders of varying width. The superstructure will be founded on reinforced concrete integral abutments supported by H-piles.
It will also be slightly more elevated to prevent debris from getting trapped during major rainstorms, which worsens the flood-prone area.
"The improvements made at the Passaic Avenue Bridge represent a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance vital infrastructure and prioritize the safety of our residents,” Luna said. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts between the county and local authorities to address this important issue."
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During construction, a full road closure and detouring will be necessary to facilitate the demolition and construction of the new bridge. Existing utilities will be re-supported beneath the new bridge deck, along with the relocation of some aerial facilities. As construction progresses, the community can anticipate improved infrastructure that aligns with modern standards and addresses the evolving needs of the borough.
"We are committed to not only maintaining but significantly enhancing our county's infrastructure to meet the demands of today and anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” County Executive Jim Tedesco said. “This project is a testament to the county’s commitment to ensuring the safety and prosperity of Bergen County's residents and businesses."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic Avenue Bridge being replaced is a yearlong project
