The 69th Street Bridge Project, a grade separation in North Bergen, NJ, that broke ground in 2008 and was to open in 2011 before running into years-long delays, has been completed.
“Investing in our infrastructure and transportation assets is one of our highest priorities,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “I’m proud that our administration was able to get this project back on track after years of delays and inaction. I’m thrilled to join [North Bergen] Mayor [Nicholas] Sacco in opening the 69th Street Bridge, which will increase safety and reduce congestion.”
The bridge project separated 69th Street from an existing freight railroad corridor, enhancing safety and improving traffic flow at the busy intersection. The new 69th Street bridge carries vehicles above and over five existing railroad tracks owned by CSX Transportation and one existing track owned by the New York Susquehanna and Western railroad. The bridge is also a key component in New Jersey Transit's planned North Branch Corridor, which aims to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County.
NJ Transit last year opted to terminate the contract of the previous construction firm following years of delays. CJ Hesse of Atlantic Highlands was brought in to complete the project, bringing traffic relief to this portion of Hudson County.
“After meeting with Mayor Sacco and understanding the critical nature of this project, NJ Transit along with our partners at [New Jersey Department of Transportation] worked together to get this project moving and completed quickly,” NJ Transit Chair and NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “The completion of this project is an example of what can be done when everyone comes together, ultimately improving the lives of North Bergen residents by providing a safer roadway with improved traffic flow.”
Mayor Sacco added, "The fact that this important project was allowed to languish for a decade shows a total lack of concern for our urban communities by the previous administration and a fundamental misunderstanding of the value of investing in infrastructure."
Stakeholders note that the completion of this project plays a vital role in improving the traffic flow in an already heavily-congested area. Additionally, the grade separation project includes related roadway improvements and area storm water drainage.
“As part of our effort to restore NJ Transit to a national role model, we have been taking steps to right the ship in a number of different areas, including a renewed focus on the stalled projects left languishing from the previous administration,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “The completion of this bridge project plays a critical safety role in separating vehicles from the freight trains in North Bergen.”
