The first of four key construction contracts will be advertised for bids tomorrow, with work starting this spring. Completion is scheduled for 2020.
The centrepiece of the project involves the construction of a new bridge parallel to the existing one over Manahawkin Bay, providing the safety of a redundant route on or off the island in the event that one of the crossings needs to be closed.
The 53-year-old causeway that links the mainland to Long Beach Island in Ocean County sustained relatively minor damage during the Superstorm Sandy, remaining open at all times. Guadagno noted that the project design is consistent with the goal of rebuilding storm-damaged infrastructure in a manner that helps it to better withstand the forces of violent storms.
“The Manahawkin Bay Causeway project exemplifies what we are aiming for when it comes to rebuilding in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy – moving quickly to restore what was lost and to do so in a manner that will be stronger, more lasting, and better serve our residents,” she said. “Our objective throughout the state is to not merely replace what was damaged, but to build it better and stronger. That can mean a different design, construction method or some other element that builds in resiliency, protects our investments and preserves mobility and public safety.”
The existing bay bridge, which is the most prominent feature along the causeway, is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. It will be closed to traffic and rehabilitated once the new bridge is built and opened to traffic. This sequence will preserve the current two travel lanes in each direction during busy summer seasons.
