Rock Brook Bridge Construction Update In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — More than a year since Hurricane Ida damaged a bridge over Rock Brook that connects Hillsborough and Montgomery Townships, work is finally set to begin, said Hillsborough Committeeman John Ciccarelli.

"The county now has all permits and agency approvals in regards to Rock Brook Bridge," said Ciccarelli during the Tuesday night Committee meeting.

The contractor was already at the bridge site for debris removal/salvage of construction materials from the downstream area, as well as recovery of historic bridge components, as required in the amended scope of work approved by New Jersey Historic Preservation Ofice, according to Somerset County.

Work was initially set to begin in February. However, revised plans are now being finalized.

"Construction will start ASAP. Within the next 3 to 4 weeks, in the beginning of May, with remaining material procurement and fabrication near complete," said Ciccarelli.

T. R. Weniger, Inc. is under contract for construction, per an award granted by Somerset County officials in May 2021.

Known as the "Rock Brook Bridge", the Zion-Wertsville Road Bridge, located about 300 feet east of the intersection of Hollow Road and Zion-Wertsville Road/Long Hill Road, closed to vehicular and pedestrian/bicycle traffic on Aug. 9, 2021, for construction repairs.

However, flash flooding from Tropical Storm Ida damaged the three-span bridge, effectively halting further rehabilitation work.

"Our goal is to rebuild the 'Rock Brook Bridge' as it was and continue with our planned rehabilitation work per the initial plan concept," according to Somerset County.

A detour route will be posted along Hollow Road, Grandview Road, Pin Oak Road and Dutchtown-Zion Road during construction work, the county added. Local access to residential driveways will be available.

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