by Joann Papageorgis, Program Director, The Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Program

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015, 5:00 p.m.
Special Events Forum, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

The existing 151-foot clearance of the Bayonne Bridge is a limitation to future Post-Panamax vessels following the anticipated completion of the Panama Canal expansion.  In late 2010, The Port Authority of NY & NJ approved $1.3 billion dollars and initiated the planning, environmental regulatory review, preliminary engineering and final design of the “Raise the Roadway” alternative to achieve a 215-foot navigational clearance.

The presentation will provide an overview of the innovative approach to advance rehabilitation and redesign of the historic Bayonne Bridge, in lieu of other bridge replacement alternatives.  The presentation will also highlight construction means and methods to minimize environmental and community impacts; eliminate private right-of way acquisition; keep the roadway open during construction;  limit impacts in the navigational channel, preserve the historic, iconic arch; remove the original (1931) lead-based paint, expedite the construction schedule; and minimize cost.

Animation and video clips will illustrate the innovative design, construction staging, and community mitigation that was implemented to advance this critical regional infrastructure project, which is approximately 30 percent complete.

Presented by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center and the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey along with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the Port Authority New York/New Jersey.