On January 30th, Hunterdon County Deputy Director Shaun C. Van Doren, along with Commissioners Susan Soloway and Zach Rich, joined Department of Public Works staff members, Dan Bush, Tom Mathews, Eric Johnson, and Leslie Bailey for a visit to the newly refurbished Bridge A-45 located on Milford-Frenchtown Road (County Route 619), over Harihokake Creek in Alexandria Township, marking the successful completion of a critical infrastructure project. The visit to the bridge highlights the county’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable transportation routes for its residents.
Commissioner Zach Rich, who also serves as the liaison to the Department of Public Works shared, “I want to thank everyone who played a role in the success of this project. The completion of Bridge A-45 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team within the Division of Engineering. This project, like so many in the county, is essential in maintaining the safety and efficiency of our transportation network, and we are proud of the successful completion of this project.”
The newly constructed bridge replaces an outdated Reinforced Concrete Rigid Frame Bridge that was constructed in 1938. The construction bid for the project was awarded to Colonnelli Brothers, Inc., of Hackensack, for the total amount of $2,129,000.00. This bridge maintains the distinction of being the largest frame structure in Hunterdon County, with a frame span of 32 feet and 12-foot rise above cast-in-place pedestals.
The project involved significant engineering efforts to ensure the bridge met modern standards and could accommodate current and future transportation needs. Additional consideration was taken to accommodate NJDEP protocols to schedule construction under the parameters permitted, so as not to disturb fish migration patterns in the creek.
Deputy Director Van Doren emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and stated, “Projects like Bridge A-45 are vital for maintaining the quality of life in Hunterdon County. By investing in our infrastructure, we are not only improving safety and accessibility but also enhancing transportation safety and reliability for residents and visitors alike.”
During the construction, the Division of County Engineers were on-site daily to provide inspections and assist with keeping the project on schedule. Reconstruction of the bridge included the addition of wing walls to appropriately support the structure of the bridge, along with other safety devices including curbing and bridge railing. The new bridge is designed to withstand various environmental conditions and is built with materials that require minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs.
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