Politics & Government

Friendship Road Bridge Repair Could be Finished Within 90 Days

Middlesex County will begin work on the bridge washed out during Hurricane Irene sooner than expected, with completion possible in early 2012.

South Brunswick officials announced Tuesday evening that work to repair the Friendship Road is imminent. The small bridge suffered significant damage during Hurricane Irene and has been impassable due to a gaping hole ever since.

Middlesex County, who is performing the repair work, had initially informed the township that the bridge wouldn't reopen until the spring of 2012. However, the county moved the project up to a high priority and the repairs are expected to be completed within 90 days, weather permitting.

"This should start any day and should be done within 90 days if the weather cooperates," said Township Manager Bernard Hvozdovic.

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, Councilman John O'Sullivan said the bridge had been under repair for two years and a metal plate was installed as a temporary measure, until the appropriate permits could be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection for the repairs.

Middlesex County is expected to perform extensive work on the washed out bridge to avoid any future storm-related problems, Mayor Frank Gambatese said earlier this year.

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The repair project is not expected to have any additional traffic-related impact, Hvozdovic said.


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