CR 501 (JFK Blvd.) Bridge over Route 139 & the Route 139 (Conrail Viaduct) Bridge over Abandoned Erie-Lackawanna Railroad
Virtual Public Information Center
December 4 - 15, 2023
Event Details
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), committed to developing transportation improvements that best balance transportation needs, the environment, community concerns and costs is holding a Virtual Public Information Center (PIC) to provide local residents and businesses with information on the CR 501 (JFK Blvd.) Bridge over Route 139 & the Route 139 (Conrail Viaduct) Bridge over Abandoned Erie-Lackawanna Railroad project. You are encouraged to actively participate by watching the videos below and providing comments by mail or e-mail.
Please use the links below to review the presentation, view project information and submit comments or questions. Property owners with rental units are advised that tenants are also invited and encouraged to participate. If you are unable to view the presentation but are interested in learning more about this project, please contact NJDOT at the telephone number and/or email address listed below.
Click on the following links to review and/or download PIC materials:
Virtual PIC Flyer (All languages)
Virtual PIC Presentation Slides (English, no voiceover)
Virtual PIC Presentation Recording (English)
Virtual PIC Presentation Recording (Spanish)
Virtual PIC Presentation Transcript (English)
Virtual PIC Presentation Transcript (Spanish)
Frequently Asked Questions (English)
Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish)
Meeting Materials
Click on the following links to review and/or download PIC materials:
Virtual PIC Flyer (All languages)
Virtual PIC Presentation Slides (English, no voiceover)
Virtual PIC Presentation Recording (English)
Virtual PIC Presentation Recording (Spanish)
Virtual PIC Presentation Transcript (English)
Virtual PIC Presentation Transcript (Spanish)
Frequently Asked Questions (English)
Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish)
Additional Details
Project Background
This project proposes to replace two bridges, four retaining walls and a sign structure. The CR 501 (JFK Blvd) Bridge spans over Route 139 and the Route 139 Bridge spans over the abandoned railroad. The retaining walls and sign structure are located along Route 139 and the ramps between the CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge and the Tonnele Circle. Both bridges are in poor condition and are functionally obsolete due to the substandard deck geometry. The CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge also has substandard lateral and vertical clearances. The original bridges were built in 1926 and require increased maintenance repairs to allow them to remain open to traffic as they are nearing the end of their service life.
Project Purpose
The purpose of the proposed project is to address the existing safety, longevity, and functionality concerns of the bridges while minimizing inconvenience to the public by maintaining pedestrian access across the CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge and providing effective traffic operations within these heavily travelled corridors.
The Project
NJDOT has determined that replacement of the two structures is required. Single-span bridges have been selected as the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) for both structures, based on an evaluation of cost and constructability.
NJDOT proposes the following:
Two full bridge replacements
Four retaining wall replacements on Route 139
Installing new 3.5-foot-wide shoulders on the CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge
Improving vertical underclearance for the Route 139 roadway below the CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge
The CR 501 (JFK Blvd) bridge construction will be completed in two stages. CR 501 (JFK Blvd) will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The CR 501 (JFK Blvd) northbound traffic destined for the Routes 1&9 South ramp will be detoured for the duration of construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
The Route 139 bridge, approach retaining walls, and sign structure construction will be completed in three main stages. Route 139 eastbound will be reduced to one lane and Route 139 westbound will remain two lanes for the duration of construction. Regional detours will be used to divert traffic away from the project area. Temporary overnight lane reductions will also be required on Route 139.
Anticipated Schedule
Concept Development Complete: Early 2024
Preliminary Engineering Complete: Early 2026*
Final Design Complete: 2027*
Construction Start: 2028*
*Contingent upon funding availability
Contact Us
For further information, please contact:
Meredith Hammond, Regional Coordinator
New Jersey Department of Transportation
Office of Community Relations
PO Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600
Phone: 609-963-1982
E-mail: Meredith.Hammond@dot.nj.gov