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NJDOT provides rapid flood relief to
Burlington, Camden counties

 

Temporary Route 70 bridge goes up in five days

On July 13, 2004, a major storm in Burlington and Camden counties resulted in serious flooding affecting roadways and bridge structures.

NJDOT personnel repaired and reopened Route 70 in Southampton five days after a torrent of flood waters destroyed a bridge that carried Route 70 over the Friendship Creek.

When the bridge collapsed, I immediately ordered the closing of Route 70 in Southampton and announced that a detour had been set up to divert traffic around the collapsed bridge. In addition, Governor James E. McGreevey declared a State of Emergency in Burlington and Camden counties in response to widespread flooding.

NJDOT personnel and ironworkers prepare to install a temporary bridge over Friendship Creek on Route 70 Southampton Township in Burlington County,
NJDOT personnel and ironworkers prepare to install a temporary bridge over Friendship Creek on Route 70 Southampton Township in Burlington County. Additional photos are available.

Route 70 is a vital east-west corridor through Burlington County and carries a significant amount of traffic from the Philadelphia area to the New Jersey shore.

Quickly reopening Route 70 to motorists became our top priority.

The emergency contractor Industrial Engineering Works, Inc., of Hamiliton was called in to assess the damage and work with NJDOT personnel to determine necessary repairs. We originally estimated that the roadway would be closed for 7-10 days until a temporary bridge could be built and Route 70 reopened to traffic.

The temporary bridge, a 130-foot, 150 ton steel truss bridge, was constructed on-site and lowered into place by two 550 ton, hydraulic lift cranes. Work has begun on the permanent structure and I am hopeful that it will be completed this Fall.

The continued efforts by NJDOT employees, design and construction contractors, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, PSE&G and Burlington County led to the quick response of an emergency situation and a solution for area residents and motorists.

 
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  Department of Transportation
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  Last Updated:  January 19, 2005