RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Morris County is reconstructing the historic bridge over Mill Brook in Randolph Township requiring a full roadway closure of Millbrook Avenue between Fords Road and Piersons Hill Road from June 19 to August 25.
According to county records, the stone masonry arch bridge originally constructed in 1930 has a span length of 17 feet and carries two lanes of traffic with a roadway width of 23 feet. Throughout the years, the bridge has been impacted by water infiltration and freeze/thaw cycles that have deteriorated the mortar and caused displacement of the stonework. The spandrel walls are pushing away from the arch and there are several areas within the arch missing stones near the bridge face.
The $697,000 project is being fully funded by Morris County. The rehabilitation of the bridge will include:
- Reconstructing stone masonry elements (parapets, retaining walls, and footings)
- Strengthening the arch through masonry repairs and the construction of reinforced flowable fill over the arch
- Protecting the arch from water infiltration by constructing membrane waterproofing sandwiched between layers of asphalt pavement
- Construction of surface drainage improvements
A full roadway closure of Millbrook Avenue at the bridge between Fords Road and Pierson Hill Road will be necessary for the work scheduled to begin on Monday, June 19 with an estimated completion date of Friday, August 25.
The primary detour for all traffic in this area will be via Schoolhouse Road, Center Grove Road and Route 10. Variable message signs, detour signs and other traffic control measures will be in place during construction to divert traffic. Motorists should expect delays and plan alternate routes.
Morris County officials are working hard to ensure that the project is completed on time and with minimal disruption to residents. While the county understands this is a hardship to anyone commuting this section of Millbrook Avenue, this historic arch bridge has served the community for more than 90 years and residents can look forward to having a safer, more beautiful bridge in a few short months.
Sparwick Contracting, Inc. of Lafayette, New Jersey, the lowest responsible bidder, is the contractor on the project.
