Oceanic Bridge Set For Improvements

The freeholders approved plans for repairs to Oceanic Bridge, which spans Rumson and Middletown, and reconstruction of Seven Bridges Road Bridge.

The cost to repair Oceanic Bridge is estimated at $3.7 million, with funding provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Work will likely begin in October 2011 and by completed by May 2012, according the Monmouth County Engineer Joseph Ettore.

“Due the extent of the bascule span repairs, this structure must be closed to vehicular traffic during the rehabilitation work,” Ettore said at the Monmouth County Freeholders Meeting on June 10.

The cost of improvements to Seven Bridges Road Bridge is estimated at $1.7 million and will be funded by the county transportation trust fund. The construction may take place in late fall of 2011 or the spring of 2012, depending on wetlands issues at the site. The bridge would be under construction and closed to traffic for about six months.

Ettore said while the closures will be an inconvenience for area travelers, particularly if work on both bridges takes place in the fall, the detours for each bridge will be independent of one another. In addition, a temporary traffic light will be installed at Route 520 and Branch Road.

“It certainly will be an impact on the area, but when we schedule these, we speak to the municipalities and make sure everyone’s aware that the projects are move forward,” Ettore said.