Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has been awarded a $444 million contract by the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ TRANSIT) to replace the Raritan River Bridge in Middlesex County, NJ. The bridge serves as a crucial link between Perth Amboy and South Amboy, and its replacement will address structural issues caused by Superstorm Sandy.
“We are honored to have been selected by NJ TRANSIT to lead the replacement of this vital bridge that serves as a critical passageway for over 10,000 daily commuters and two million tons of freight annually,” said Bill Matre, Skanska Koch senior vice president and general manager. “This project will enhance transportation efficiency and safety measures, while simultaneously ensuring the bridge’s long-term resilience for the region.”
The scope of the project includes the demolition of the existing swing bridge superstructure and the construction of new vertical lift bridge towers, a lift span, two flanking systems, and communication and signal systems. Additionally, the project will involve overhead catenary work, landside earthwork, and rail system work.
Future sustainability and resiliency are key priorities for the new bridge. It will feature additional vertical clearance above the 100-year flood elevation and be positioned further from the ocean to minimize the risk of damage from extreme weather events. The bridge will also incorporate enhanced navigation channel geometry at the lift span to reduce vessel collision hazards and related repair costs. New mechanical and electrical systems will ensure consistent operation of the movable span, leading to reduced maintenance costs in the long term.
Project work will begin in April 2025 and is expected to reach final completion in 2029.
