Skanska announced it has been awarded a $444 million contract by the New Jersey Transit Corporation (N.J. Transit) to carry out the replacement of the Raritan River Bridge in Middlesex County, N.J.
Serving as a direct link between Perth Amboy and South Amboy, the project will replace the bridge that formerly suffered damage by Superstorm Sandy.
"We are honored to have been selected by N.J. Transit to lead the replacement of this vital bridge that serves as a critical passageway for over 10,000 daily commuters and two million tons of freight annually," said Bill Matre, Skanska Koch senior vice president and general manager. "This project will enhance transportation efficiency and safety measures, while simultaneously ensuring the bridge's long-term resilience for the region."
The scope of the bid-build project includes replacing the Raritan River Bridge through the demolition of the existing swing bridge superstructure and the construction of new vertical lift bridge towers, lift span, two flanking systems and communication and signal systems. Additional project work to include overhead catenary work, landside earthwork and rail system work.
To ensure the future sustainability, resiliency and safety, the newly constructed bridge will provide additional vertical clearance above the 100-year flood elevation and be positioned further from the ocean to minimize the risk of damage from extreme weather events. In addition, the implementation of enhanced navigation channel geometry at the lift span will minimize vessel collision hazards and associated repair costs with the bridge's pier protection systems. The new mechanical and electrical systems will provide more consistent movable span operations, which will result in overall reduced maintenance costs.
Project work will commence in April 2025 and is expected to reach final completion in 2029.
