Work continues on the small span of White’s Bridge, on Route 547 in Jackson, over the Main Branch of the Toms River, where only one lane is open for alternating traffic. The single lane, controlled by an automatic signal, has resulted in some traffic delays along the road that links routes 571 and 527.
The bridge is being replaced using $1.1 million in state funds, said Ocean County Engineer Ronald Lotrecchio. Construction began in September, and the single lane will remain in place until the new bridge is completed in the spring, Lotrecchio said. During the construction, trucks and other traffic weighing more than 4 tons are prohibited from using the bridge.
Work will also begin this winter on a new Allen’s Bridge along County Route 528 in Jackson. The bridge is listed on the state’s structurally deficient list, and the $1.45 million replacement cost will also be paid entirely by state money, Lotrecchio said.
Work on the bridge, which is located just east of Route 571, will close West Veterans Highway between Route 571 and Thompson Bridge Road until the new span is complete. Traffic will be detoured onto Thompson Bridge Road, where a temporary traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Route 571.
Construction is expected to be completed in about six months, Lotrecchio said.