The state Department of Transportation has approved a $1 million emergency project to replace a Route 202 bridge damaged in heavy rains and flooding on July 10, 2016.
BERNARDSVILLE - The state Department of Transportation has approved a $1 million emergency project to replace a Route 202 bridge damaged in heavy rains and flooding on July 10.
The work is taking place despite the suspension of Transportation Trust Fund projects on July 8 that occurred when state legislatures and the governor could not agree on a plan to provide revenue to the fund, which expired at the end of June.
One plan called for an increase in the gasoline tax by 23 cents a gallon.
The state DOT has said the suspension of projects allows there to be enough funds available for emergency projects, such as the Route 202 bridge replacement. On Friday, Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) proposed a revision to the proposed gas tax increase. A vote could come as early as Aug. 1.
What's next with plan to end construction shutdown?
While the Route 202 bridge replacement is going ahead, another Somerset County bridge project, replacing a Route 518 bridge over the Delaware & Raritan Canal, has been suspended as part of the shutdown.
Because the project was halted midway through construction, detours are still in place. On Wednesday, Somerset County issued a news release directing questions about the project to state DOT representatives.
Another project to replace a structurally-deficient bridge in Branchburg is also continuing.
Built in in 1900 and last reconstructed in 1922, the Route 202 bridge over the Sluice Brook is being replaced by a three-sided culvert, a precast, u-shaped structure that can be used to replace a deteriorated bridge.
State DOT crews discovered damage to on of the bridge's abutment just after the storm, requiring the immediate closure of the bridge.
The process of designing the permanent repair are underway, it was stated in a news release, and plans for an aggressive construction schedule to reopen the bridge as soon as possible are being drawn up.
Flood forces closure of Route 202 bridge
Separate car and truck detours will remain in effect.
Car Detour
Route 202 southbound
Traffic will be directed to turn left on Meeker Road, then right on Whitenack Road and left back onto Route 202 southbound.
Route 202 northbound
Traffic will be directed to turn right onto Whitenack Road, then left onto Meeker Road, and right back onto Route 202 northbound.
Truck Detour
Route 202 southbound
Traffic will be directed to turn left on Mt. Airy Road, which becomes Whitenack Road and then left back onto Route 202 southbound.
Route 202 northbound
Traffic will be directed to turn right onto Whitenack Road, which becomes Mt. Airy Road right back onto Route 202 northbound.