H&H has completed the Local Concept Development (LCD) study, the preliminary engineering, the final design, and construction support to replace the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge (Str. # S-32) over the Shrewsbury River. Construction was completed in 2024, with H&H leading the construction support services.
The new wider double-leaf bascule bridge was constructed approximately 85 feet to the south of the existing bridge. It features two eastbound lanes, one westbound lane with shoulders, and sidewalks on both sides to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
The original bridge was built in 1950, 661 feet long, 52.4 feet wide with a curb-to-curb width of 40 feet, five-foot-wide sidewalks on each side. It consisted of nine riveted steel deck girder-floor beam approach spans with a double-leaf steel girder trunnion bascule main span. The structure carried Rumson Road with one 20-foot-wide lane in each direction. As one of two critical emergency evacuation routes in times of flooding and coastal storms, was deemed to be in serious overall condition and structurally deficient due to the superstructure’s poor condition.
Under the Federally-funded LCD study, H&H conducted data collection, traffic studies, survey/mapping, utility coordination, determining right-of-way impacts, scour and hydraulic vulnerability evaluations, environmental screening, and public outreach. A comprehensive Project Purpose and Need Statement was prepared, as were an alternatives matrix and the Concept Development Report.
Improvements included the reconfiguration of the Rumson Road/Ward Avenue intersection to add exclusive left-turn lanes in both directions. Rumson Road was realigned, and the signalized intersection with Route 36 was relocated to the south. Bike lanes and sidewalks were added along both Rumson Road and Route 36 on the Sea Bright side of the bridge. On the Rumson side, upgrades to West Park included an ADA-compliant pedestrian walkway beneath the bridge, interpretive signage, and fencing along Rumson Road.
During construction, the original bridge remained open to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffice, and the navigational channel remained accessible to mariners. The original bridge was demolished following the completion fo the new structure.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on July 31, 2025.
