Built in 1882, the iron truss Jacobs Creek Bridge is one of the six spans of its type still in use in New Jersey.
By John Tredrea
A task force including officials of Hopewell Township and Mercer County along with several township residents has recommended rehabilitating the historic Jacobs Creek Bridge instead of replacing it.
The task force’s report was the subject of a presentation by one of its members, township Engineer Paul Pogorzelski, during Monday night’s Township Committee meeting.
The report will be forwarded to the county administration, which has control over the bridge’s future. The county owns the bridge, which crosses the creek on county Route 579, in the southwestern section of the township.
Built in 1882, the iron truss Jacobs Creek Bridge is one of the six spans of its type still in use in New Jersey. It was designated a historic site by the township in 2001.
The fundamental issue facing the task force was how to ensure that the bridge will be safe while preserving as much of its historic character and visual appeal as possible.
The task force’s highest ranked alternative, Mr. Pogorzelski said, is to rehabilitate the bridge. This would, he said, eliminate the risk of structural collapse, permit passage of all emergency service vehicles and school buses and retain the scenic value of the existing bridge and its rural surroundings. The job would entail widening the bridge, increasing the height of its overhead girders and provide new structural underpinning.
IN OTHER BUSINESS during Monday night’s meeting, the committee voted 3-2 to adopt an ordinance containing 22 amendments to the township zoning code. Voting yes were Mayor Vanessa Sandom, Deputy Mayor David Sandahl and Committeewoman Arlene Kemp. Voting no were committee members Jon Edwards and Marylou Ferrara, who focused their concerns on the sixth of the 22 amendments, which Mr. Edwards said he fears "could lead to lawsuits."
That amendment changes, from 40,000 square feet to 80,000 square feet, the minimum lot size of homes in the R-100 district served by wells and/or septic systems. This amendment has no effect on lots on which homes already have been built, officials said. They said the amendment also would have no effect on the sale of those homes. The amendment only affects undeveloped lots in the R-100 district, which is scattered in pockets throughout the 58-square mile township.