Frequently Asked Questions
Now approaching 50 years old, the Picket Place Bridge is in poor condition and has structural and functional limitations that do not meet today’s design standards.
Somerset County, in coordination with, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), completed an LCD Study out of which a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was selected as the most appropriate improvements for the bridge. These improvements address the structural and geometric deficiencies of the bridge and increase safety for the traveling public. The goals of the on-going Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) phase is to advance the design of the PPA, securing the environmental document and graduating the project to Final Design.
The LCD study is the first phase for federally funded transportation improvement projects. The LCD study phase includes data collection; coordination with local municipal officials, community stakeholders, and Federal and State permitting agencies; public outreach; the development of a reasonable number of sensible and practical conceptual alternatives; and the recommendation of a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA).
The Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) phase is a critical stage that follows the approval of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study phase for federally funded transportation projects. During this phase, local project sponsors undertake detailed engineering, environmental, and cost analyses to refine the previously identified Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA). This phase is integral to the project delivery process, as it ensures that projects are thoroughly evaluated, environmentally compliant, and technically sound before proceeding to the Final Design and Construction Phases.
- Local Concept Development: Completed 2020
- Preliminary Engineering: Fall 2024 to Summer 2026
- Final Design: Anticipated Start in 2028
- Construction: Anticipated Start Design Dependent
The existing Picket Place Bridge (Structure No. 18C0609) over the South Branch of Raritan River was built in 1979, is 355 feet long and approximately 35 feet wide. It is a four span simply supported bridge, composed of prestressed concrete I-beams supported on cast-in-place concrete abutments and piers. The structure is classified as “Structurally Deficient” due to the poor condition of the substructure. It is also categorized as “Functionally Obsolete” due to its substandard deck geometry.
Now approaching 50 years old, the Picket Place Bridge is in poor condition and has structural and functional limitations that do not meet today’s design standards.
The proposed bridge will furnish 12′-wide lanes and 8′-wide, bicycle compatible shoulders. A 6′-wide sidewalk will be furnished along the south side of the bridge.
A Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was chosen in the LCD phase. In the current LPE phase, the PPA will continue to be evaluated and refined. Somerset County and cooperating agencies will continue to seek community input on the design and proposed improvements during LPE and future phases of the project.
The cost of the Local Preliminary Engineering phase is funded with federal dollars. The cost of the construction, including contingencies and escalation is yet to be determined.
Federally funded projects require environmental screening that follows the National Environmental Policy Act process (NEPA) to establish existing socioeconomic and environmental conditions and weigh the potential impacts that may be caused by the range of alternatives under consideration. When analyzing the alternatives, federal and state regulations require careful assessment and mitigation or avoidance of the potential negative environmental impacts. Environmental resources analyzed include air, noise, hazardous or contaminated sites, parks, wetlands, water resources, social and economic impacts, and cultural resources such as historic structures and facilities.
Your input is important for every phase of the project. The project team will continue to collect information from stakeholders about how the community uses the bridge and any current traffic problems. We encourage the community to follow, participate and help make sure every effective element has been considered and examined for its viability.
Public meetings are a good way to make your voice heard. At public meetings, the project team will be present to answer your questions. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can stay up-to-date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and PowerPoint presentation.
The project team is committed to keeping the public informed throughout the Picket Place (County Route 567) Bridge Local Preliminary Engineering phase. Our aim is to keep you up to date on the project and respond to your questions and concerns. You can stay up to date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and meeting presentations.
We encourage community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions. For questions or comments, contact us.
Timeline
Local Concept Development
Completed Summer 2020
Local Preliminary Engineering
Current Phase: Fall 2024 to Summer 2026
Final Design
Anticipated Start 2028
Construction
Anticipated Start Design Dependent