rap # 99 06/08/11

ROUTE 571 ROVA FARMS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT TO BEGIN IN JACKSON

THE CIRCA-1929 Rova Farms Bridge on Route 571 in Jackson Township will be replaced with a precast steel and concrete structure.

No detours are planned once construction gets under way later this summer.

"Our contractor will do the work in stages to allow two lanes of traffic to be open at all times," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to award a $1.5 million contract to Lucas Brothers, Inc. of Morganville for the work.

Kelly said the final price was significantly lower than the original $2 million estimate.

The project consists of the complete replacement of the existing bridge and partial reconstruction of the adjacent spillway walls along with reconstruction of the approach roadway leading up to the bridge.

Kelly said the new span will be wider than the existing bridge and include larger shoulders.

"This will be a much safer facility for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians," he said.

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said the new design includes parapets that mimic the look of the older bridge while improving safety on the new span.

The bridge work should be completed in about 12 to 14 months, said Freeholder James F. Lacey, liaison to the Ocean County Road Department.

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