$1 million is allocated to pay for an upgrade to the Gravel Hill Spotswood Road bridge.
By: Al Wicklund
MONROE The Gravel Hill Spotswood Road bridge is to be upgraded with the work fully funded by a state Department of Transportation program.
The state allocated $1 million for the improvement of the bridge, located south of the Monroe Township Department of Public Works facility.
Acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco signed for the release of the funds Tuesday.
The Monroe Township project is one of 215 improvements scattered throughout the state funded by the final $100 million of $250 million in the Statewide Transportation and Local Bridge Fund created by a state bond sale in 1999, according to DOT spokesman John Dourgarian.
Monroe Township Councilman John Riggs said Wednesday working on the Gravel Hill Spotswood bridge would be more costly than working on other bridges others because, while it is only a two-lane bridge, it spans and is surrounded by swamps.
"Working in that area will be difficult," Councilman Riggs said.
Township Engineer Ernie Feist said the township has not been informed by the DOT about the project and its funding as yet.
He said the structure is an old-style, grate bridge and that the state probably will be doing a complete renovation of the bridge.
Mr. Dourgarian said the first $150 million of the fund was allocated last year for county bridge projects. He said most of the projects will be completed within five years.
Of the $100 million authorized this week, Middlesex County will receive $10.8 million. The costliest project is $6.3 million for South Plainfield’s Park Avenue bridge.