NJDOT to replace Route 49 bridge in Upper Township

(Trenton)– The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the replacement of the Route 49 bridge over the NJ TRANSIT Cape May Branch rail-line in Upper Township, Cape May County.

“This much-needed Route 49 bridge replacement demonstrates the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure as well as the quality of life of Cape May County residents and commuters,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Beginning Wednesday, October 1, NJDOT will close Route 49 over the existing bridge and implement local detours. Access to local properties will be maintained during the closure. The road closure and detours will remain in effect until May 2009.

The following detour routes will take effect October 1:

• Route 49 westbound car traffic will take Route 50 northbound to County Route 648 to County Route 649 to Route 49.
• Route 49 eastbound car traffic will take County Route 649 to County Route 648 to Route 50 southbound to Route 49.
• Route 49 westbound truck traffic will take Route 50 to County Route 610 to County Route 550 to County Route 557/617 northbound to Route 49.
• Route 49 eastbound truck traffic will take County Route 617/557 southbound to County Route 550 to County Route 610 to Route 50 Route 49.

The $4.2 million project will replace the existing structurally deficient bridge with a new, higher, pre-fabricated concrete span. NJDOT will also resurface the Route 49 approaches to the bridge and improve the existing drainage system. The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2009.

NJDOT will install portable variable messaging signs and other signage throughout the area to inform motorists of the bridge closures. Construction information and real-time traffic updates are available at www.511nj.org.