Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridges, Contract 4 Manahawkin, New Jersey

This Contract is the 4th Contract of the Route 72 Causeway construction. Due to the high volume of traffic during the summer months, it is necessary to upgrade the one and only access point into and out of Long Beach Island. This bridge reconstruction project, which includes the smaller “Hilliard’s Thorofare” bridge and the half mile long “Manahawkin Bay Bridge”, will improve accessibility for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The main focus of this project is the removal and reconstruction of the Manahawkin Bay Bridge. This includes removing both the bridge deck and structural steel down to the piers. Once completed, the piers will be reinforced and a new steel superstructure will be constructed. A new HPC bridge deck will be constructed with pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes for travel of all kinds.

In addition to the main bridge, the Hilliard’s Thorofare is a 500’ trestle bridge reconstruction project that is very labor intensive. Given that there is stll years of life leŌ in this bridge, we are removing the parapet and deck on both the north and south ends and reconfiguring them for beƩer access on the bridge. There are also various repair procedures being completed to ensure the bridge is sustainable for many years to come.

Work includes underground utility work, steel sheeting, erosion prevention and many other smaller scale items that are essential to completing this contract. Both the underground electric and underground drainage are located throughout the project but also extends over the bridge. A brand new 1,500 foot steel bulkhead will replace the existing timber bulkhead that is roƫng away. Articulated Concrete Block Mats are placed extensively around the abutments to ensure the erosion does not impact the newly constructed structure.

Once reconstruction is complete, new walkways, sidewalks and parking lots will be constructed to provide visitors with an area to enjoy the natural scenery of the island. Landscaping will complement the new structures and provide an aesthetic route for all vacationers and residents enjoying their time on Long Beach Island.

The main focus of this project is the removal and reconstruction of the Manahawkin Bay Bridge. This includes removing both the bridge deck and structural steel down to the piers. Once completed, the piers will be reinforced and a new steel superstructure will be constructed. A new HPC bridge deck will be constructed with pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes for travel of all kinds.

In addition to the main bridge, the Hilliard’s Thorofare is a 500’ trestle bridge reconstruction project that is very labor intensive. Given that there is still years of life left in this bridge, we are removing the parapet and deck on both the north and south ends and reconfiguring them for beƩer access on the bridge. There are also various repair procedures being completed to ensure the bridge is sustainable for many years to come.

Work includes underground utility work, steel sheeting, erosion prevention and many other smaller scale items that are essential to completing this contract. Both the underground electric and underground drainage are located throughout the project but also extends over the bridge. A brand new 1,500 foot steel bulkhead will replace the existing timber bulkhead that is roƫng away. Articulated Concrete Block Mats are placed extensively around the abutments to ensure the erosion does not impact the newly constructed structure.

Once reconstruction is complete, new walkways, sidewalks and parking lots will be constructed to provide visitors with an area to enjoy the natural scenery of the island. Landscaping will complement the new structures and provide an aesthetic route for all vacationers and residents enjoying their time on Long Beach Island.