New Jersey DOT provides $4.3 million grant for rail bridge replacement

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) last week announced it awarded two grants totaling about $5.1 million for transportation projects.

NJDOT awarded a $4.3 million grant to replace a rail bridge spanning Overpeck Creek in Ridgefield Park. Built in the early 1900s, the bridge serves as a critical freight-rail link in the region, averaging 25,000 rail cars per year, NJDOT officials said in a press release.

The three-span bridge's north and south approaches were rehabilitated in 1985. The current project calls for replacing all three spans with a new steel bent system and steel superstructure, as well as installing new steel and concrete abutments on the north and south sides.

NJDOT also awarded a $750,000 grant to the city of Passaic for streetscape enhancements.

"These grants are among hundreds of local aid awards distributed by NJDOT every year to help local and county governments advance essential projects without burdening local property taxpayers," said NJDOT Commissioner Jamie Fox.