MANASQUAN, NJ – The week ended on a good note for Monmouth County’s Glimmer Glass Bridge (W-9) and the taxpayers of Monmouth County.

Late Friday, the Christie Administration notified Monmouth County that a $1.6 million grant to repair the 279-foot Glimmer Glass Bridge was on its way and George Harms Construction Co. Inc. of Farmingdale wrapped up the first phase of major repair work on the on the bridge. The grant will find the full amount of the repair.

“This is great news for Monmouth County,” said Arnone. “I want to extend my appreciation to Governor Christie and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for providing grant financing to take care of this repair through the NJDOT’s Local Aid Infrastructure Fund (LAIF) program.”

Work to repair the bridge on Fisk Avenue between Brielle and Manasquan began on Oct. 1.

“In the first 10 days of the contract, Harms Construction has mobilized the work site and driven into place 29 supplemental piles,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “We are very pleased with the progress and we appreciate Harms’ understanding of the critical importance of this bridge to the community.”

Placement of the supplemental piles is the first phase of the repair. The next phase is the placement of the timber bridge deck that constitutes a majority of the repair.

“Because Harms got off to a quick start and the weather was cooperative, we are now awaiting the manufacture and delivery of the specialized grade timber timber to advance to the next part of the repair,” said Arnone.

Despite the material delay, the contractor’s aggressive construction schedule looks to have the bridge back in service prior to the May 1, 2015 construction completion date.

Significant damage to the bridge forced the County to close the structure to all motor vehicle traffic on August 7. The following week, a thorough bridge inspection and structural evaluation determined that the repairs were more significant than originally anticipated.

The County secured permission from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the State Historic Preservation Office prior to the awarding of the construction contract.

“I want to thank the State for its expeditious attention and consideration to move the project forward,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “Governor Christie, NJDOT, NJ DEP and the State Historic Preservation Office are all helping Monmouth County get this project started, funded and completed.”

The Glimmer Glass Bridge is closed to all but marine traffic during the construction period. Traffic should use the signed detours and expect travel delays in the area.

All motor vehicle traffic on Brielle Road, between Greene Avenue and Fourth Avenue, is being detoured. Specifically, westbound motor vehicle traffic on Brielle Road in Manasquan is being directed north on Fourth Avenue to Main Street and then onto State Highway 71 South to Fisk Avenue in Brielle. Conversely, eastbound traffic in Brielle should follow Fisk Avenue to State Highway 71 North to Main Street in Manasquan.

The County and the Borough are working together to address public safety issues created by the duration of the closure.

“We also appreciate the support and cooperation of the Borough of Manasquan, too,” said Burry. “This closure impacts the community greatly and we continue to look at a long term solution for the bridge and roads.”

On August 13, 1939, the current cable-lift bascule span bridge opened and began accommodating both marine and vehicle traffic. The bridge was refurbished in the 1950s and 1970s when the original components were replaced.

“Because the repair project got off to a quick start we are confident that all the work can be completed ahead of schedule,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry.

LAIF grants are among about a dozen Local Aid grant programs administered by the NJDOT that utilize state or federal funds to provide direct support to municipalities and counties, enabling local governments to advance important projects without burdening local property taxpayers.

The grant announced today is part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Local Aid grant program that totaled $190 million. Each year, Local Aid grants represent a significant portion of Local System Support, which also includes local lead projects, regional planning and project development, and transportation enhancement projects.

Municipalities and counties apply for LAIF grants on an as-needed basis throughout the year. Monmouth County applied for the grant to cover the $1,525,991 contract that was awarded to George Harms Construction Co. Inc. on September 23, 2014.

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