Bridge project's finish pushed back
Completion of work in Woodland Par is eyed for fall 2026
By: Matt Fagan
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Motorists who depend on the Squrrelwood Road bridge in Woodland Park may be disheartened to learn that supply chain problems have resulted in state officials pushing back the expected completion date by as much as half a year. [2026]
.....
Work on the $12.2 million bridge replacement project began in spring 2024and was estimated to take 18 to 24 months, which should have meant the project would be finishing sometime between now and spring 2026.
..... State Transpiration Department officials now expect the bridge to open next fall. [2026]
....."The delay is a result of a longer time to acquire steel," said Stephen Schapiro, the department's press manager.
..... He added that although it is delayed, the project is expected to come within the money allocated.
..... For much of the project, motorists have been able to cross the Squirrelwood Road bridge only for Route 80's westbound side. Motorist hoping to reach 80 westbound had to take the detour down by Route 19 or find another westbound access ramp.
...... Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert said that although it;s an inconvenience, so far residents are coping with it.
..... "I attribute that to the careful planning that was done ahead of time and also the patience of our residents here," Kallert said. "I look forward to it being done, however."
..... The bridge which crosses over route 80 and connects Woodland Park to Paterson, needed to be replaced because it was decaying and sat too low over the highway.
..... The existing bridge, 30 feet wide from curb to curb, was constructed in 1968 and is too narrow and not high enough above the highway.
..... The new bridge will be 32 feet wide and will have two shoulders, on 11 feet wide and the other 5 feet wide. The new bridge will also have walkways on both sides that are 5 feet wide. The new bridge will be more than a foot higher over I-80, going from 14 feet 3 inches to 15 1/2 feet.
..... Construction in the bridge replacement project has tow stages. Stage 1 which reconstructed Squirrelwood Road eastbound, is nearing completion, Schapiro said.
..... Later this fall, [2025] traffic is expected to be shifted into newly constructed side of the bridge to allow for reconstruction of the westbound side Transportation Department will provide advance notice before the traffic shift takes place, Schapiro said.
..... Work on Stage 2 includes bridge demolition" the reconstruction of the bridge abutments, concrete deck, parapet and approaches; remaining drainage and gas main upgrades; traffic signal installation; sidewalk and curb construction; and final paving.