Frequently Asked Questions
Now approaching 90 years old, the Columbia Turnpike Bridge is in poor condition and has structural and functional limitations that do not meet today’s design standards.
Morris County, in coordination with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), is conducting Local Preliminary Engineering for a new bridge to replace the existing structure over Black Brook. The new structure will increase safety for the traveling public by providing two travel lanes in each direction, outside shoulders on Columbia Turnpike eastbound and westbound, and a westbound sidewalk on the bridge.
The existing Columbia Turnpike Bridge (Structure No. 1400-451) over the Black Brook was built in 1929 and widened to the south in 1960, is a three-span concrete encased structure which has a series of parallel steel beams supporting the deck with an approximate span length of 31.’ The bridge carries four 11.4’ (45.6’ curb-to-curb) lanes with no shoulders and two 4.9’ wide sidewalks.
Now approaching 90 years old, the Columbia Turnpike Bridge is in poor condition and has structural and functional limitations that do not meet today’s design standards.
The proposed bridge will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by providing outside shoulders in both directions and a sidewalk on the westbound (north) side of the bridge.
A Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was recommended during the LCD phase of the project to replace the existing bridge with a new structure. The new structure will provide two travel lanes in each direction, outside shoulders on Columbia Turnpike eastbound and westbound, and a westbound sidewalk on the bridge. Preliminary engineering of the PPA is currently underway which includes engineering and environmental studies to the extent required to obtain an approved National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document.
The design and construction of this project are funded with Federal dollars. A detailed cost estimate for the new structure has not yet been completed.
Federally funded projects require environmental screening that follows the National Environmental Policy Act process (NEPA) to establish existing socioeconomic and environmental conditions and weigh the potential impacts that may be caused by the range of alternatives under consideration. When analyzing the alternatives, federal and state regulations require careful assessment and mitigation or avoidance of the potential negative environmental impacts. Environmental resources analyzed include air, noise, hazardous or contaminated sites, parks, wetlands, water resources, social and economic impacts, and cultural resources such as historic structures and facilities.
Your input is important to every phase of the study. The study team will collect information such as how the local community uses the bridge, any current traffic problems and how the public sees alternative solutions. We encourage the community to follow, participate and help make sure every potential effective element has been considered and examined for its viability.
Public meetings are a good way to make your voice heard. At public meetings, the study team will be present to answer your questions. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can stay up-to-date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and PowerPoint presentation.
The study team is committed to keeping the public informed throughout the Columbia Turnpike (County Route 510) Bridge project. Our aim is to keep you up to date on the project and respond to your questions and concerns. You can stay up to date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and meeting presentations.
We encourage community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions. For questions or comments, contact:
Meghan Paccione (Primary Contact)
Morris County Principal Engineer
mpaccione@co.morris.nj.us
Roslyn Khurdan
Morris County Assistant County Engineer
rkhurdan@co.morris.nj.us
Christopher Vitz
Morris County Director of Public Works & County Engineer
cvitz@co.morris.nj.us
Richard Brundage, P.E.
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
rbrundage@njtpa.org
Timeline
- Initiate Local Preliminary Engineering
Spring 2022 - Preliminary roadway design complete
Spring 2023 - Preliminary structural design complete
Spring 2023 - Community Outreach
Spring 2023 - Environmental Document approved
Summer 2023 - Local Preliminary Engineering Complete
Fall 2023