Route 22 Emergency Repairs To Continue For Next Few Months

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Hurricane Ida's devastating impacts on the Bridgewater area continues with repairs on Route 22 expected over the next few months.

On the night of Sept. 1, floodwaters from the Middle Brook river rushed over and below Route 22 near Thompson Avenue causing a retaining wall collapse and destabilization of the roadway, including damage to utility poles and a sanitary sewer main, said NJDOT Public Information Officer Brian Ahrens.

"It looked like a bomb went off," Councilman Michael Kirsh previously said of the damage.

The floodwaters even took one life in that area. Read More: Missing Woman From Bridgewater Flood Found Dead

On Sept. 2, NJDOT closed the ramp from Chimney Rock Road to Route 22 east. Since then Bridgewater Township, PSE&G, and NJDOT each had to make their own repairs.

The township has since repaired the main sewer line for a cost of $400,000. PSE&G also worked to replace a damaged utility pole.

NJDOT crews were able to stabilize the closed ramp.

Now, NJDOT is designing an emergency repair to reconstruct the wall and roadway.

"Demolition work on a portion of the bridge approach is underway," said Ahearns.

A total cost to repair the bridge and a completion date is not available yet.

But Ahearns did say, "the goal is to have the project completed in the next few months. The ramp remains closed until further notice."

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.