Last week, the City of Bayonne took part in a meeting with Coast Guard and Turnpike officials about the historic impact of the proposed reconstruction of the Turnpike between Exit 14 and Jersey City.  

          The Turnpike Authority proposes replacing the existing Newark Bay Turnpike Extension Bridge with two new bridges with four lanes in each direction.  The reconstruction will also include improved earthquake protection for the new bridges, improvements in the exit/entrance area, and the creation of new stormwater collection systems.  The plan calls for starting construction on the work between Exits 14 and 14A in 2026.  The goal would be to open the new Newark Bay bridges by 2031.

          The existing Newark Bay Bridge is getting worn down.  According to the Turnpike Authority, environmental factors and heavy truck traffic have caused serious damage to the quality of the bridge.  During the meeting, the Turnpike Authority presented photos that demonstrated the effects of wear and tear on the structure. We have to recognize that the bridge is almost seventy years old.  It is not in good enough shape to handle modern traffic volume for very much longer.  Yet another patch job will not solve the bridge’s problems.

          As is required by law, the Turnpike Authority is making serious efforts to protect historic properties and archeological sites along the route of the bridge and the roadway.  While preparing for construction, the Turnpike is working to respect Native American sites, the route of the former Morris Canal, railroad properties, and other historic resources along the way. 

The City of Bayonne has requested to receive some pieces of the bridge’s span that could be displayed here after it is demolished.  That would be a way to preserve some artifacts from the existing bridge while supporting vitally important Turnpike improvements. 

          The City of Bayonne will make additional progress by continuing to work with the Turnpike Authority on this extremely important project.

The post Bayonne-Mayor’s Corner-Mayor James Davis-Turnpike Bridge Update first appeared on River View Observer.

THREE WEEK SCHEDULE AS OF JUNE 23, 2017   The following work is scheduled over the next three weeks:   Toll Plaza East side (entering 14A): renovation of existing Toll Utility Building continues. Ramps between the Toll Plaza and the Hudson County Extension (HCE) Local street level work at Garfield, Avenue C and JFK Boulevard bridges will resume in the summer of 2017. This work will be supported by Jersey City and Bayonne Police as needed. During the evenings of 06/29/17, 8:00PM to 5:00AM, traffic impacts are expected on the ramps to and from the Hudson County Extension and the Interchange 14A Toll Plaza for asphalt paving operations. This work will be supported by the New Jersey State Police.  Avenue E / Proposed Roundabout New roadway construction on Avenue E near 53rd Street continues. Connector Bridge (Bridge from the Toll Plaza to Port Jersey Boulevrd) Traffic was shifted onto the new Connector Bridge in a two-way temporary traffic pattern. Please CLICK HERE for graphic. Pedestrian usage of the bridge for access to and from Port Jersey Boulevard continues to be prohibited. Please CLICK HERE for shuttle bus pamphlet. Route 440 and Pulaski Street Intersection / Jughandle Ramp roadway construction continues. Ramp structure construction to southbound Route 440 continues. Ramp Area East of Route 440 New ramp construction continues. Retaining wall construction continues. Bridge deck construction on the bridge structure over Pulaski Street continues. During the week of 07/17/17, nighttime detours of the southbound Route 440 Jughandle at Pulaski Street will be required for approximately one (1) week in support of bridge steel erection. Work will be supported by Bayonne Police. ###   If you have any questions about the 14A Improvement Project, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-671-6872, or email info@njta14a.com anytime. Thank you.   For full project details, contact information, traffic advisories, and informational pamphlets, please visit the NJTA 14A Website.   For information about the Bayonne Bridge, please click here.

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