State Commits $10.5 Million To Replace Ravine Drive Bridge On Lake Lefferts

MATAWAN, NJ — On Tuesday, Monmouth County announced major funding was secured for the long-awaited project to replace bridge MA-9 on Ravine Drive, and rebuild Lake Lefferts Dam.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation will commit $10.5 million to pay for the bridge replacement/roadwork, which Monmouth County called "a critical project."

Ravine Drive will be closed for the work, which will be a major road closure and huge headache for local drivers. A construction start date was not yet announced.

But the repair work quite badly needs to be done, said the county this week.

Originally constructed in 1927, Bridge MA-9 on Ravine Drive "has deteriorated significantly," said Monmouth County. Portions of the steel grid deck are broken and the concrete is deteriorating. There is significant rust on the steel beams under the deck and the wood supports show signs of deterioration. Compounding the problem is that the bridge functions as a key component of the Lake Lefferts drainage in heavy rain, and Ravine Drive itself forms part of the dam embankment.

The Lake Lefferts Dam is designated a "Class-I High Hazard Dam" by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), emphasizing "the need for immediate rehabilitation," said the county this week.

"Ravine Drive is a critical east-west connector linking Rt. 36 to Rt. 516 (Main Street), located just 0.55 miles from the Aberdeen-Matawan train station," said Monmouth County this week. "This route is essential for daily commuters, emergency services and access to the borough’s vibrant business district. The reconstruction will not only improve safety but also support economic vitality by maintaining access to local small businesses that depend on reliable infrastructure."

The state money will be provided in two phases: $5.5 million this year, and an additional $5 million next year, ensuring the project gets completed.

“This is a big win for Matawan and Monmouth County," said Commissioner Tom Arnone, who secured the state funding in collaboration with this area's assemblyman, Robert Clifton (Republican-NJ12).

Clifton said he's been trying to get money from the state for this project since "the early 2000s."

“This is a major victory for the residents and businesses of Matawan and the region,” said Assemblyman Clifton. “This funding represents years of effort, dating back to the early 2000s."

Additionally, it will address safety concerns from the homeowners who live downstream and are at risk of flooding due to the dam’s current condition.

The Ravine Drive bridge will also be made safer for not just drivers, but also bicyclists and the many people who walk along the lake, said the county. Planned enhancements include bicycle-compatible wider shoulders and wider sidewalks.

Related: Rt. 516 Bridge Over Lake Lefferts In Matawan Will Be Replaced (January 2025)