NJDOT opens new Tuckahoe Road bridge over Cape May rail line in Estell Manor

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the opening of the new Tuckahoe Road (CR-577) bridge over the Cape May Branch rail-line in Estell Manor, Atlantic County.

This stretch of Tuckahoe Road, which was reopened to traffic this afternoon, had been closed to accommodate construction activity since mid-March, 2010.

The $5 million federally funded project has completely replaced the original, structurally deficient Tuckahoe Road Bridge with a new structure accommodating one lane of traffic in each direction over the historically recognized Cape May Branch rail line. The new concrete bridge features roadway shoulders, two sidewalks and bridge aesthetics that closely match those of the previous structure. Upgraded roadway striping and guide rail has also been provided. The bridge is located within an NJDEP Wildlife Conservation refuge.

Due to the structural design of the original bridge, it was necessary for NJDOT to fully close the bridge to traffic during construction.

“We appreciate the patience shown by local motorists during the necessary roadway closure,” said Transportation Commissioner James Simpson.

Construction information and real-time traffic updates are available at www.511nj.org and by calling 511.