Having Reached an Agreement with the Army Corp. of Engineers, the Way is now Cleared for the Issuance of the Final Permits for the South Avenue Culvert Rebuilding Project
After years of failed efforts, RFP for major Southeast Cumberland County construction will soon be issued
BRIDGETON, NJ -- Today, the Cumberland County Commissioners announced they have reached an agreement with the Army Corp. of Engineers to begin the repair process for the failed South Avenue culvert, which runs along the dividing line between the City of Bridgeton and the Township of Fairfield.
The County will soon be issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) to rebuild the culvert which failed in 2020. The historical and environmental concerns regarding the area have made repair planning a difficult process.
Since taking up the issue, Cumberland County Commissioner Director Joseph Sileo worked hand-in-hand with State Senator Michael Testa and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew to coordinate federal and state government approvals and appropriate reviews.
The new culvert will be a permanent solution that includes a bulkhead which will be backfilled for fortification. A new road will be laid over top once complete. Construction is set to begin as soon as the RFPs process is completed, Sileo said, with weather being the only other variable. The total project is expected to take up to two years until full completion.
“I want to thank my partners in the state and federal government, Senator Testa and Congressman Van Drew, for their support. This had to be a team effort to get this major upgrade underway,” Director Sileo said. “We want sustainable, affordable, and permanent solutions for county residents, not the old way of patronage and patchwork problem-solving. It’s time to move forward.”
The historical concerns arose when the culvert was found to be formerly built using red bricks from the 1860s over which a trolley track once ran. Environmental concerns arose because the culvert is at the confluence of tidal, freshwater wetlands and preserved land, an area where saltwater meets freshwater which requires extra attention in planning.
In October 2020, a short-term plan was executed, installing a riprap culvert, a section of stone placed by the culvert to reduce the water flow, but it failed shortly after installation with a collapse in 2021. Compounding the problem, the traffic pattern adjustments negatively affected residents across southeastern Cumberland County, with detour designs leaving residents overrun with traffic in their communities.
When a new board majority took control in 2023, the detour route was immediately altered to reduce stress on local roads. Concurrently, county leaders began seeking the permits necessary for a long-term solution, working with the Army Corps of Engineers, the State Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Historical Society.
“This wouldn't have been possible without the absolute persistence of Director Sileo and the very significant assistance of Senator Testa, Congressman Van Drew, and their capable staff,” said County Administrator Hal Johnson. “They fought through each level of government to get this project underway after years of stagnation.”
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