Construction of new Mudtown Road bridge in Wantage to begin Aug. 15
WANTAGE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County officials have announced that construction is scheduled to begin on or about August 15 for the full replacement of Bridge X-48, which carries Mudtown Road over Clove Brook in Wantage Township.
The $1.8 million project, which includes the installation of a new bridge and safety upgrades, was awarded to Grade Construction of Paterson, N.J., following a February 14 contract approval. Boswell Engineering, based in South Hackensack, designed the replacement structure.
Construction activities will include installation of soil erosion and sediment control measures, demolition of the existing structure, installation of sheeting and cofferdams, bridge footing construction, and the placement of a rigid frame. Additional work will include building retaining and wingwalls, installing drainage and backfill, paving, guiderail installation, and landscaping. The final step will be reopening the roadway.
A full road closure and signed detour will be in place for the duration of the project, which is expected to last through the end of 2025. However, access to private driveways along the route will be maintained throughout the construction period.
The project is funded through a combination of state and county resources. The New Jersey Department of Transportation provided a total of $1.15 million through its Local Bridge Fund (LBF) grants awarded in fiscal years 2020 and 2022. An additional $646,372.44 in capital funding is being provided by Sussex County.
County officials advise motorists to plan alternate routes during the closure and thank the public for their patience as infrastructure improvements are made.
