New Jersey Governor announces major South Jersey bridge replacement project

Because almost 80 percent of New Jersey residents live in Coastal Zones, this proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes Coastal Evacuation Routes essential for people to escape any Hurricanes or major storms that come up the shoreline.

The problem is that a majority of the transportation grid is almost 100 years old. The New Jersey State Highway Numbering system was established in 1927, designating Routes 47-50; Most of these state highways have become key arteries of the state's Coastal Evacuation Routes.

Ever since the proposal to turn Route 50 into a major freeway died in the 1960s, the state highway has seen only minor upgrades and repairs along its 26.02 miles of road. Finally, almost 100 years after its original designation, New Jersey is going to replace an old bridge.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill Announces Bridge Replacement Project

A bipartisan gathering of local and state officials at the Route 50 Bridge near mile marker three in Cape May County. The 65-year-old bridge that allows drivers to cross over Cedar Swamp Creek will finally be replaced.

The Democrat Governor Sherrill was joined by Republican State Senator Michael Testa, and Director of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners Len Desiderio (R) to announce the unique project will begin in Fall 2026.

"When I took office, I made clear that we were going to do things differently and deliver for the people of New Jersey. That means taking more efficient, innovative approaches to modernizing our aging infrastructure." Governor Sherrill stated in the official press release.
"The Route 50 Bridge project reflects that, by replacing this critical connection to Cape May County and key coastal evacuation route through New Jersey’s first-ever Design-Build approach. By combining design and construction into one streamlined process, we’re cutting delays, lowering costs, and delivering this long-overdue upgrade faster for New Jerseyans."

The first Design-Build project by the NJ Department of Transportation, this new plan incoporates both the design and building of the new bridge into one streamlined approval to cut out the government red tape.

Unlike the 65-year flatline bridge, the new bridge will be taller, and feature "a future‑use sidewalk and 10-foot shoulder". No word on if the new bridge will be usable for fishing in Cedar Swamp Creek. Frequent motorists along this section of Route 50 have observed fishermen using the old, flat bridge because of its close proximity to the body of water.

Hopefully, Governor Sherrill coming to Cape May County in person to make this announcement means her tenure as Governor will not ignore the needs of South Jersey as many previous office holders have done.