State Plans $350 Million Project for Causeway Bridge
Causeway project 'exemplifies what we are aiming for when it comes to rebuilding in the aftermath of Sandy.'
State officials announced a $350 million project that will rehabilitate the causeway bridge that connects Manahwkin to Long Beach Island.
“The Manahawkin Bay Causeway project exemplifies what we are aiming for when it comes to rebuilding in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy – moving quickly to restore what was lost and to do so in a manner that will be stronger, more lasting, and better serve our residents,” said Acting Governor Kim Guadagno, in a prepared statement. “Our objective throughout the state is to not merely replace what was damaged, but to build it better and stronger. That can mean a different design, construction method or some other element that builds in resiliency, protects our investments and preserves mobility and public safety.”
The project will include building a new bridge parallel to the existing one while making improvements on the current bridge.
“Long Beach Island is an iconic Jersey Shore vacation destination that brings enjoyment to hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors every summer,” said NJDOT Commissioner Jim Simpson, in the statement. “Our investment in this project will strengthen the causeway’s critical role as the only Coastal Evacuation Route for Long Beach Island. It will enhance safe and convenient access not just for motorists, but for all users of the roadway.”
Commissioner Simpson noted that other amenities will provide recreational opportunities along the causeway, which touches down on four small islands – Mallard Island, an unnamed man-made island, Bonnet Island and Cedar Bonnet Island – between Stafford and Ship Bottom.
Six parking lots are slated to be built along the causeway, providing access for walking, fishing or crabbing. The project also calls for improvements to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on Bonnet Island.
The work may be completed by 2020.
William J Moss
7:39 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
7 Years to finish . At the rate the government works ..it may take 7 Years to get started . With no Hurricanes hitting the Island again . Read the last line (may be completed)
Resident of Lacey
8:29 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
It also may be done sooner or later...
Debby-j R Higgins
7:32 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
For those of us who use the Marsha Dr. jug-handle to get into BHW when coming off the Island.....be advised....it goes AWAY with this bridge plan. Your new choices will be driving down the 'now and again flooded' East Bay Avenue through Mud City OR driving the extra distance to the jug-handle at Mill Creek and then work your way back into the East side of our development.
Wm. Kain
7:32 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
$350 Million for a bridge? As this article clearly points out the State is only interested in tourist dollars. Flooded out homeowners can fend for themselves!
H. Martin Grasmeder
1:10 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
I agree with W. Kain! Is that where my FEMA Claim money is going?? Mart G. (BHW)
mr henry
7:32 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Again with the Bridge,,the truth is this bridge wont get people onto LBI any faster in the summer and evacuations went fine with 2 lanes becoming 4 lanes. The top of a funnel can be widened as much as they want. As long as the rodes in place on LBI remain the same you will never move any faster than that...installing a bridge at a different location makes more sense than this.Wonder who is profittting from this Milk Cow...
Bc
10:51 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
That's a better idea (mr Henry) a bridge in the beach haven area would do more than building one parallel to the current bottleneck.
HJS
6:52 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Years ago a bridge from tuckerton to Beach haven was talked about
Put the BHers did not like it
Also a bridge in Barneget Light The Lady's of Harvey cedar didn't like it
Dave E
8:29 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I attended a presentation the State put on back in 2004- at that time the expected cost of the bridge was $260 million. Increased by $90 mil over that time. While I agree that a second bridge should be pursued at a different location,; but good luck getting the DEP to permit invading the bay to permit a bridge in a different location . even if so, that does not address the fact that the current bridge is structurally deficient. Has anyone ever watched the trucks doing patchwork every spring. The bridge money is not coming from FEMA but it seems the timing of this announcement is a little suspicious.