H&H has been selected to conduct a feasibility study for the replacement of the 100-year-old Brielle Bridge, spanning the Manasquan River between Brielle and Point Pleasant. Built in 1911 and rehabilitated in 1978 and 2001, the Scherzer rolling-lift bascule bridge and approach structure is 1,162.59 feet long and carries one track of NJT’s North Jersey Coast Line between “Brielle” and “Shark” interlocking. Due to the poor condition of the bridge, the train speeds are currently restricted to 30 mph. The draw span electrical control system has been recently upgraded for remote control capability, but the open gearing on the operating machinery is heavily worn and in poor condition. There is also a significant scour/undermining of the bridge piers.

The study includes a comprehensive bridge alternatives analysis that is required for state and federal environmental approval. Some of the key issues that have to be addressed include:

  • Coordination with the state historic preservation office, due to the bridge’s historic classification
  • Agency approvals and permitting – NJDOT, NJDEP, USACE and the United States Coast Guard
  • Low vertical clearance and substandard channel width (48 feet)
  • Maintaining railroad and navigational traffic during construction