Update on our bridge

Here is a message forwarded from the Mayor's office by Wanda Gaglione -


Dear Strathmere residents:
Mayor Palombo has instructed me to forward this message to you.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Wanda Gaglione, Municipal ClerkUpper Township 609-628-2011 Ext. 200

The Mayor's message.

Hello everyone.
I recently received a letter from the Co. Engineer Dale Foster regarding the Ocean Dr. Bridge. I would like to share the information included in the letter with you.The letter states that the Bridge Commission has awarded a $1,218,962 contract to IEW Construction Group from Trenton to restore the bridge back to the 15-ton weight limit.
It continues that---the bridge was slated to be completed by Oct. 6, 2006. Unfortunately the deterioration of the steel stringer is extensive throughout the bridge. It will take time to complete this work due to accessing the work sites: It can only be done from below the bridge. In addition the steel shapes must be fabricated and environmental constraints require existing materials scheduled to be removed such as paint and rust, are to be captured within a containment system.
While performing the latest inspection survey of the Bridge, Gibson Assoc. identified 2 sets of expansion bearings on the bridge as needing priority repairs. The bearings in question have been temporarily supported to stabilize the excessive expansive condition. The bearings have a twelve-week lead time for fabrication after the approval of shop drawings. The bearing work is slated to be completed by December 1, 2006. The contractor and designer are aware of the need to complete the project in an expedited manner. The strengthening work is scheduled in a manner that will allow the posted weight limit to be increased on incremental steps, i.e. 3 tons to 7 tons to 10 tons.

I hope you find the information in this message helpful.
I will continue to forward information as I receive it.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Rich Palombo, MayorUpper Township