Bridge Repair Project Moves Ahead Of Schedule In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Residents have had to deal with more traffic and lengthy detours around Long Valley's center as the county continues to work on the 150-year-old Long Valley Mountain Road stone bridge.

The bridge, which closed down fully for Phase 2 in order to allow the contractor to remove and replace all material above the stone arches, has not been closed since July 10.

Weather permitting, county officials in charge of bridge maintenance have said that the work is expected to take 21 days to complete.

Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello has since stated that the project is moving ahead of schedule and that he is hopeful that the township will be able to re-open the road earlier than initially planned.

To complete this project as quickly as possible, construction has been taking place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., officials said.

The mayor stated that the town is anticipating getting an update on the potential new reopening date by the end of this week.

Phase 1 of the project, which began on June 16, was completed in less than the 51 days that had been planned.

"The goal is to finish the entire project by the time school reopens on August 23, 2023. However, since Phase 2 is starting sooner, the county hopes to have the roadway reopened prior to August 23, weather permitting," county spokesperson Vincent Vitale said.

For the duration of the project, temporary traffic signals have been installed at Naughright Road and Flocktown Road, as well as Naughright Road and Fairview Avenue. Detour signs have been installed for the full closure, and traffic will be redirected to Flocktown Road, Naughright Road, and Bartley Road.

The bridge's width will not be altered during construction.

The million-dollar project, which includes rebuilding the downstream wall and removing all material above the stone arches, will be funded by Morris County.

According to county engineers, the plans also include the installation of lightweight concrete and a new waterproof membrane on top of the arches, which will extend the bridge's life by 30 to 40 years.