Rumson Residents Attend Oceanic Bridge Hearing

Rumson and Middletown residents packed the courtroom at Monday night for a hearing on the Oceanic Bridge project.

Monmouth County Engineer Joseph M. Ettore gave a presentation discussing the need for a new bridge, different design options for the structure, and the importance of public feedback in the early stages of the process.

"Your participation is an important part of this process," Ettore said. "The more feedback you give, the better your chances are of getting the type of bridge you want."

The two main options for a replacement of the Oceanic Bridge are a low-level drawbridge and a high-arched fixed span, according to Ettore. Height restrictions of 55 to 65 feet would likely be placed on boat traffic if a high-arched bridge were chosen, he noted.

The cost difference between the two options would be nominal, according to Ettore. The high-arched structure would cost an estimated $41.5 million, while a low-level bridge would cost $37 million, he said. The county would need to apply to the federal government to construct the replacement, but any operating costs after the bridge’s construction would be funded by Monmouth County.

There are many reasons that residents want to see a low-level bridge re-built. A few of these reasons are historic value, recreational value and real estate/business values. 

The bridge is a historic landmark which makes Rumson a historic place as well, residents say. Residents would like to see a low-level bridge like the current span to maintain the way it has looked for the past 70 years. If a high bridge is built, residents say, it would dramatically take away from it's historic value in that it will look completely different.

On recreational value, one woman at the meeting said that she runs everyday over the Oceanic Bridge. "I run over that bridge everyday. I have been doing that for years. If a high bridge was to be built, there is no way I would be able to run over the bridge anymore," she said. Many other residents walk, jog, run and bike over that bridge on a daily basis. Members of the public at the meeting said, a high bridge would prevent many of these recreational activities from taking place. 

In regards to business being affected, one man who owns a marina spoke at the meeting and said that, "If a high bridge is built, I would loose about five to six very good customers." A high bridge would mean height restrictions on boats that can travel underneath.

Many of the supporters of the low-level option said that the Oceanic Bridge looks now is significant to many people, especially people who have homes along the river. In their view, a high bridge would change the the view from homes and businesses along the river. 

Another resident who commented, said that a high bridge would affect the views, and thus the values, of the waterfront properties.

Todd Thompson, founder of Friends of the Oceanic Bridge, attended the meeting and said he was happy with the turnout. The Friends of the Oceanic Bridge is in favor of a low-lying bridge. They have spent the last five years growing their group, getting support from politicians and gathering information about the benefits of a low-lying bridge.

"This is very important to me and many other people in the community. We hope to get the outcome that we have been pushing for," Thompson said.

To make the public's participation easier, there were forms available at the meeting for people to record their names, addresses and comments. These forms are to be submitted to Monmouth County Engineering by Oct. 26 and they will all be considered during the decision process. These forms will also be available online on the county website after Sept. 26. 

According to Ettore, writing comments on paper supporting the low-level bridge instead of counting a show of hands, "lends more credibility and will be received more favorably."