Kean: DOT Will Delay Highlands Bridge Construction

June 16, 2008

Contact: Brad Schnure / 609-292-5199
Senator Sean T. Kean (R-11)

Demolition Won’t Begin Until after July 4th Weekend

Senator Sean Kean announced today that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has agreed to delay the start of demolition of the Highlands Bridge until after the 4th of July weekend.

Kean said DOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri had informed him that an agreement had been reached that would put off the planned demolition and attendant lane closures until July 7th. As of July 7th one lane in each direction will be closed, leaving only one lane in each direction open to vehicle traffic.

“The Commissioner recognizes that allowing this project to move forward during the busiest time of the year is unfair to the businesses, residents and tourists in the area,” he said. “Postponing the demolition is a positive step that ensures we can enjoy our July 4th weekend without the massive traffic delays caused by lane closures on the bridge.”

Kean had previously called for the project to be delayed until after Labor Day citing recent instances of heavy traffic congestion when two lanes of the bridge were closed.

“With the influx of tourists during the summer, traffic congestion in this area is already a serious problem,” he said. “Closing lanes of the bridge during the summer will only add to an already difficult traffic situation.”

Kean said that Sea Streak has been in contact with him and the DOT about the possibility of adding six ferry trips in the morning and six return trips between Sandy Hook and the Conner’s Hotel ferry stop in Highlands on weekends. Kean said he hoped this would help alleviate traffic congestion on the weekends.

“We need to look at all possible ways to mitigate the traffic congestion that will occur when construction begins on this project,” he said. “Increased ferry service will give people another way to get to and from Sandy Hook and, hopefully, will help reduce traffic congestion.”