rap # 69 05/02/12
BROOK ROAD BRIDGE IN LAKEWOOD TO BE REPLACED
The 63-year-old Brook Road Bridge over the North Branch of the Metedeconk in Lakewood Township will be replaced with a
precast concrete and steel structure expected to last 100 years.
"We are constantly monitoring our bridges and working to replace any aging spans with new modern structures," said
Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety for the county.
The existing two-span, 30-foot-long and 30-foot-wide timber bridge was built in 1949. It consists of timber deck,
piles and timber bulkheading.
The deck was rehabbed in 1986 with glue-laminated deck panels, but the support piles are wearing out and the entire bridge
needs to be replaced.
The new bridge will be a two-span, 55-foot-long by 40-foot-wide structure consisting of a concrete deck on precast
concrete beams supported by steel pipe piles.
The bridge along with the adjacent roadway will be fully reconstructed with a new super elevated profile, Kelly said.
During the construction there will be a full detour in effect. Duration of the project is approximately 6 months.
The $1.1 million construction contract was awarded to Lucas Brothers, Inc., the lowest qualified bidder.
Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said Ocean County has the largest county roads network in the state, with more
than 626 miles of roads and 259 bridges and culverts.
"Not only do we have the most roads, but we are committed to having the safest roads and bridges," Little said.
