Concerns Raised Over Replacing Deteriorating Bridge Over I-287 In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Concerns have been raised over the future replacement of the deteriorating Prince Rodgers Avenue Bridge over Interstate 287 by the New Jersey Department of Transportation(NJDOT).

"The concern is if the bridge is closed and completely closed, that would prevent pedestrian traffic," said Councilman Michael Kirsh at the Sept. 4 Council meeting. "We want to make sure there is as little inconvenience as possible while at the same time we are improving the infrastructure of that bridge."

The NJDOT previously presented a plan for the replacement of the 115-foot-long bridge, built in 1963, at the Aug. 21 Council meeting.

The project goal includes replacing the deck to "improve the structurally deficient condition and ensure long-term safety for all users."

Construction also includes repairing the superstructure and substructure to address existing deterioration and extend the service life of the bridge. And also relocation of the bridge-mounted sign structure and replacing it with two overhead sign structures along I-287 North.

NJDOT presented two options to the Council during construction. Option one is to completely close the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during construction. The anticipated construction time would be 13 months.

The second option is to have a two-stage construction where the NJDOT demolishes one half of the bridge to allow pedestrian traffic to be open, and then demolishes the second half. This option would not allow vehicular traffic and would take 18 months to complete.

The NJDOT anticipated construction to begin in the winter of 2026-27.

"What concerns me there is the potential impact to the Bridgewater Commons mall," said Ring at the Aug. 21 meeting, noting shopping during the holiday season. "I live in the area. I know what Prince Rodgers is like the couple of weeks leading into Christmas, with traffic into the mall."

Township Administrator Michael Pappas asked the NJDOT for "consideration to put signage maybe on the highways on Route 22 on I-287 because, as [Ring] said, there are people who take the interstate to get to the mall who are not going to be familiar with these detours."

Concerns were also raised for those who needed to get access to the Prince Rodgers Baseball Complex during sporting events.

Council President Howard Norgalis added that the Bridgewater Commons also has its employees park in that baseball complex parking lot during the holidays and walk across the Prince Rodgers bridge.

"It would really be important not to impact two holiday seasons," said Kirsh. "That's what the concern is. It is a pretty critical link in a number of ways, and just minimizing the impacts, whether it's the pedestrians, the workers, the mall, or the economic impact. I think that's the piece we like to understand."

Ring suggested a third option, similar to the two-stage construction, that would still allow for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic to continue, but with an alternating light to at least maintain one lane of travel.

At the Sept. 4 meeting, Kirsh said he hoped Ring's option is viable in a reasonable timeframe.

Ring also noted at the recent meeting that he talked with the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Board Liaison about the closure.

"The school district is very concerned regarding the Prince Rodgers bridge project and would like to be part of it, not only for school buses to and from school, but after-school activities on North Bridge Street," said Ring.

Norgalis noted that discussion with NJDOT will continue and asked that Ring and Kirsh be place on the committee for the bridge replacement.

To view the presentation of the Prince Rodgers Bridge Replacement project visit bridgewaternj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Prince-Rodgers-Ave-Bridge-over-Rt-287-8.21.2025-Ppt-presentation.

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