'Gateway Bridge' To Freehold Township Named For Bob McGirr

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — The new bridge on County Route 524 (Elton-Adelphia Road) now has a more personal identity: It was officially named for the former Deputy Mayor and Committeeman Robert “Bob” McGirr of Freehold Township.

“Bob McGirr is a lifelong Monmouth County resident who has been and continues to be an active and contributing member of the community with a strong record of public service commitments,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners at the unveiling of the plaque.

Arnone is also liaison to the Department of Public Works and Engineering, so he was very aware of how the bridge planning took place.

The McGirr Bridge is just west of County Route 55 (Halls Mill Road), and is one of 980 bridges the county maintains.

“Bob was an active participant in determining the architectural style of the new bridge, which included the bridge's concrete barriers, steel pedestrian railings and ornamental lighting," Arnone said. "He worked with the county engineers to ensure the new bridge was designed to maintain the current aesthetics and character of the area.”

McGirr couldn't have been more honored - or surprised - with having his name associated with the bridge.

"As a gateway to Freehold Township, this magnificent bridge is something we should all be proud of. The fact that it bears my name is an unbelievable honor," McGirr said.

“Bob did a spectacular job as a Township Committee member and Deputy Mayor,” said Freehold Township Committeeman Anthony J. Ammiano.

And he observed that the name of the bridge managed to be kept a surprise.

"This (bridge naming) was a well-kept secret that only a few people knew about. It has been my pleasure knowing Bob for many, many years. He definitely deserves this recognition.”

McGirr himself recognized others involved in the project.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Monmouth County Engineer Joe Ettore, to Commissioner Director Tom Arnone and our Monmouth County Commissioners, to Anthony Ammiano and our Township Committee, to Earle Construction and to everyone involved for making this beautiful bridge a reality," McGirr said.

And his fondness for Monmouth County was evident at the ceremony: “I am blessed and proud to be a lifelong Monmouth County resident,” McGirr said.