Edgemont Park Bridge In Montclair Replaced After Hurricane Ida Damage

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A long-awaited bridge will soon be back in action in Montclair.

A replacement for the Edgemont Park bridge – which spans the Second River and connects the opposite sides of the park – has been installed, Montclair Local reported.

The Edgemont Memorial Park bridge adjacent to the Shelter House was closed in 2021 due to damage it sustained during Hurricane Ida. According to the township, the damage included an unsafe incline forming between the bridge’s walking surface and the park paths.

In the “interest of the safety of park visitors,” the bridge was barricaded and closed to pedestrian traffic, officials said.

“A permanent repair to the bridge or, if needed, its replacement is expected to be completed in the spring of 2022,” officials said.

As that timeline came and went, some started tapping their feet impatiently, including the Edgemont Park Bridge Twitter account, which has been posting updates on progress – or the lack thereof.

But this week’s milestone was a welcome sight to others, including Second Ward Councilor Robin Schlager.

“It’s strong, it’s safe and it’s being installed with great precision and should last for many, many years to come,” Schlager told Baristanet. “I guess it’s been worth the wait to finally get this beautiful bridge in our beloved park for so many to enjoy, especially now, at the beginning of the spring season.”

The bridge will be open to the public on Friday, a township spokesperson told Patch.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.