HOWELL – The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has opened a newly constructed replacement bridge over the Manasquan River on Havens Bridge Road, marking the complete replacement of the previous bridge.
“Reopening this bridge is very good news for local residents and businesses,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “The six-month closure disrupted the flow of traffic, but we now have a new bridge that will serve the area well for a very long time.”
Havens Bridge Road links Adelphia- Farmingdale Road (Monmouth County Route 524) and Casino Drive.
Due to the extent of deterioration and the significant damage to the previous bridge, complete reconstruction was necessary, according to a press release from the county. The county contracted with Harms Construction of Howell to rebuild the bridge.
Monmouth County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering closed the original bridge in early April due to deteriorated and failed pilings on the structure. One of the bridge’s three piers failed and caused a partial collapse of the bridge deck system, according to the press release.
During construction, Havens Bridge Road was open to local traffic only up to the point of the closure.
“This closure was very inconvenient for local motorists,” Arnone said. “Work to expedite the permitting and contracting process made it possible to complete this project before the winter. We are pleased to add this bridge to the growing list of structures improved or reconstructed by the county. Also, we appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and the local residents in completing the project.”