For Immediate Release:
November 17, 2009
3-ton weight limit on Oceanic Bridge to continue
County seeking to employ latest technology on testing bridge stress
FREEHOLD, NJ – The 3-ton weight that has been in place for the Oceanic Bridge spanning the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown will continue into the New Year as the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders conducts further tests on the bascule span.
Tests that were conducted since the span was down-posted last month were inconclusive, and County Engineer Joseph Ettore wants to employ the latest information and sensor technology that can evaluate actual stresses at various points on the bridge span.
"The data derived from this further testing will guide the county's decision to either proceed with the planned three-month shutdown and replacement of the open grid deck of the bascule span this winter, or move to replace the entire bascule span," Ettore said. "We expect these studies will be concluded by the end of the year and we'll know which way we have to go."
The bridge, which carries County Route 8A (Bingham Avenue) over the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown, had its weight down-posted Oct. 20 from 10 tons to three tons, which means large SUVs, pickup trucks, buses and heavier trucks are not permitted to use it.
The restriction will remain in effect until at least Jan. 15 to allow for an in-depth review of the new test results.
In the meantime, the county will be installing additional signs along approach roads to the bridge to warn people about the 3-ton weight restriction.
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