Thursday, October 8, 2015

Cedar Bridge To Be Completed by November 9, 2015

Atlantic County’s $1.63 million replacement of the 95-year-old Cedar Bridge over Patcong Creek between Northfield and Egg Harbor Township is scheduled to be completed by November 9, 2015.

Some area residents and businesses have expressed concerns about the progress of construction by the contractor, Fred M. Schiavone Construction, Inc. of Malaga.

“I understand the frustration people have. They want the work complete yet fail to see workers consistently on the job,” said Dennis Levinson, County Executive.

Levinson explained that Schiavone Construction was awarded the contract as the low bidder. According to the terms of the contract, the contractor must have the bridge “substantially completed” and Zion Road re-opened to traffic as of November 10. If the contractor fails to do so, it will be subject to a $1,500 fine per calendar day which equates to $10,500 per week. Such fines can be the difference between profit and loss.

“We are limited in our capacity to force the contractor to work faster, employ more resources and designate the means or methods to perform the job as long as they are in compliance with the terms of the contract,” stated Levinson. “But be assured that if they fail to honor the contract deadline, there will be consequences. This job must be completed on time as contracted. Failure to do so will be costly for the contractor.

The contractor recently poured the concrete deck which requires 15 days to cure. Over the next two weeks the bridge’s concrete wing walls and parapets will also be poured and roadway drainage pipes will be installed.

The final phase of work will address the approach roadway and will include paving, striping, signage, guide rail installation and landscaping.

For more information and to view construction progress photos, please visit www.aclink.org/planning.

Click here for more information and photos.

County News