$8 million Schalks Crossing bridge subjected to a final review

Renovation plan includes wider roadbed and sidewalks.

By: Emily Craighead
   PLAINSBORO — A renovated bridge on Schalks Crossing Road over the Northeast Corridor rail tracks is still three years away, but a final plan is in the works.
   "It’s a project we’re committed to doing as fast as we can," state Department of Transportation spokesman Brendan Gill said.
   Discussions about replacing the original bridge, built in 1948, began in 1999, according to Committeeman Michael Weaver, who has worked with the DOT on the township’s behalf.
   Under the plan, a new superstructure will be built on the existing foundation. It will be less steep and will have a wider roadway, with bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides.
   "We’ve worked closely with Plainsboro officials to make sure it was consistent with the bicycle and pedestrian master plan," Mr. Gill said.
   The DOT will fund the $8 million project to replace the orphan bridge. The township will be responsible for constructing sidewalks leading to the bridge.
   The final design is expected to be complete in 2007, with construction slated to begin in 2008.
   The DOT originally submitted three proposals to the township. The first included making minor repairs, the second consisted of renovating the bridge, and the third involved completely rebuilding the bridge, including the foundations.
   "We were very satisfied with the renovations they were going to make," Mr. Weaver said. "One of the facts we were weighing was that it is a major artery, and we didn’t want it closed for an extended period of time."
   The renovated bridge will serve as a more aesthetically pleasing gateway to the community, Mr. Weaver said.
   "One of the things they had included was an effort to make beautification changes, like light posts that would be consistent with lighting we have in the village now," he said. "Schalks Crossing Road is one of the main arteries from the north, and we wanted to make sure that roadway was in good shape since it was quite heavily traveled."