Modular Steel Bridge Reduces Traffic Delays During New Jersey Highway Construction

The following article and images were provided by Acrow.

Acrow, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, noted today it has designed and supplied a modular steel bridge to maintain three lanes of traffic during a lengthy construction project on the Garden State Parkway in northern New Jersey. Because the route is so heavily traveled, and a major link to the state’s popular shore areas, a temporary bridge was considered necessary to the success of the multiyear project.

Construction of the Acrow Bridge

The Garden State Parkway bridge over the Passaic River, U.S. Route 46 and River Drive was completed in 1955 and carries three lanes each of bidirectional traffic between the City of Clifton and the Borough of Elmwood Park. In recent years, as the bridge approached the end of its useful life, deterioration of the superstructure and deck had led to the need for priority repair projects.

Full View of Acrow Bridge Construction Project in Northern New Jersey

Details of the Acrow Bridge Project

The Acrow 700XS® bridge was selected for the project by contractor IEW Construction Group and will maintain southbound traffic for the duration of the construction.

The bridge has:

• An overall length of 980 feet
• 18 spans of 40 feet each as well as north and south approach spans of 120 and 140 feet
• A structure of 36 feet wide to accommodate three lanes of traffic
• An asphalt surface with an AASHTO HL-93 load rating

Southbound traffic was switched to the temporary bridge in late October 2023 and IEW is working on replacing the existing southbound bridge. Once the southbound bridge is finished, IEW will put northbound traffic onto the new southbound bridge while maintaining southbound traffic on the temporary bridge. Acrow’s structure will be in use until southbound traffic is shifted back to the new bridge.

Arial View During Construction Phase of Bridge Assembly

“Acrow’s modular steel bridge has proved an excellent solution for this complex and lengthy project,” said Bob Rose, Acrow’s Northeast Sales Manager. “Safe, cost-effective and reliable, our detour bridges are an effective way for DOTs, agencies and other contractors to minimize work zone impact on motorists and local businesses while keeping projects on or ahead of schedule.”

Acrow’s Modular Steel Detour Bridge

“In addition to increasing safety for motorists, highway improvement projects such as these support job growth and economic development,” added Russ Parisi, VP North America. “Acrow’s modular steel detour bridges are an ideal way to keep traffic moving during priority projects, saving time and money.”

For more information on this project please click here.

For more information about Acrow’s detour solutions please click here.