This Thursday, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will hold a public information center (PIC) to inform local residents, officials, and the business community about the preliminary preferred concept for the Rt. 73 and Ramp G Bridge over 130 Project. Members of the community are encouraged to participate by providing comments at the meeting, by mail, or e-mail.

The PIC meeting will be held at the Pennsauken Free Public Library, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd., on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Attendees will have an opportunity to review exhibits of the concept plan, ask questions, and share information with NJDOT staff members. Property owners of rental units are advised that tenants are also invited and encouraged to participate.

The Transportation Problem Statement for the Rt. 73 and Ramp G Bridge over Route 130, submitted by NJDOT Bridge Engineering and Infrastructure Management, recommends bridge replacement. Based on the physical condition of the substructure, the bridge has reached the condition at which it needs to be replaced to avoid additional deterioration and major future rehabilitation costs.

The preferred preliminary alternative (PPA) concept proposes full bridge replacement using steel girders. The PPA includes addressing all substandard conditions by raising the existing profile on Rt. 73 and widening Rt. 73 and Rt. 130 within the existing right of way limits.

The proposed section on the bridge includes six 12-foot travel lanes, and two 12-foot auxiliary lanes separated by a 2-foot concrete median. The addition of 4-foot wide left shoulders and 10-foot wide right shoulders and 6-foot wide sidewalks with a 1’ 9” protective pedestrian barrier will run along both sides of the structure. All guiderail will be upgraded to meet current standards.

Conceptual staging calls for the construction of the proposed bridge to be built in three stages to minimize traffic and community impacts. Staging will consist of maintaining two travel lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction during construction.

The estimated project schedule indicates that preliminary engineer will begin spring of 2019; final design will start summer of 2020; and construction will begin winter of 2021.

For further information, individuals can contact Kimberley Nance, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Office of Community and Constituent Relations, 1035 Parkway Avenue, P.O. Box 600, Trenton, N.J., 08625 – 0600, (609) 530-2110, kimberly.nance@dot.nj.gov.