After undergoing extensive replacement projects, two bridges have re-opened just in time for all the traffic that comes along with the start of a new school year.
The Kiel Avenue Bridge is one of two structures in Morris County that was replaced this summer due to age. MORRIS COUNTY - After undergoing extensive replacement projects, two bridges have reopened just in time for all the traffic that comes along with the start of a new school year.
The Eagle Rock Bridge, which crosses the Passaic River and connects East Hanover and Roseland, re-opened Wednesday after being shut for a four-month replacement project, county officials said.
During construction the bi-county bridge was completely closed, which sent drivers on a five-mile detour to Route 280, Ridgedale Avenue, or Eisenhower Parkway as alternate routes.
Work was completed about three weeks ahead of schedule, although the contractor has some punch list items to address this coming week such as attaching posts, turning on traffic signals, and removing metal brackets, county officials said.
Morris County shared the cost of the $2.2 million construction job with Essex County but served as the lead agency on the project.
Just prior to the start of work in May, county officials were concerned about the structure's advanced deterioration and requested the contractor provide an accelerated schedule that would require a complete bridge closure while work was done.
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The project was originally scheduled for 2012 but postponed due to utility work, as well the replacement of a bridge on Route 10.
The Kiel Avenue Bridge project is also nearly complete and partially re-opened to allow for school buses to access two nearby schools, county officials said.
The $343,810 project began in July and required a full closure of Kiel Avenue between Ricker Road and Louis Lane.
The structure, which crosses over a Pequannock River tributary, was replaced because it had deteriorated beyond repair, county officials said.
Although less than 500 vehicles use the bridge daily, county officials said replacing it was important to the school district since Kiel Avenue provides the most direct and easy access to Kiel School and Pearl R. Miller School.
The contractor is expected to put the finishing touches, such as landscaping and line striping on the new 12-foot long bridge over the next few weeks, county officials said.
Kimberly Redmond may be reached at kredmond@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kr0618. Find NJ.com on Facebook
