The only covered bridge in NJ closing for repairs
New Jersey's only covered bridge, in Delaware Township, will be closed this summer for extensive rehabilitation.
Where
The covered bridge is outside Sergeantsville on Hunterdon County Route 604 over Wickecheoke Creek.
When
The covered bridge will be closed in upcoming days, with its sister bridge remaining open to alternating traffic until June 20 to accommodate for school traffic. On June 20 both bridges will be closed for repairs and staging purposes.
Work is expected to be completed by early fall.
Who
Hahr Construction, of North Plainfield, is the contractor. Cost of the work is approximately $700,000.
What is being done
The project includes removal and replacement of the existing red oak timber stringers and decking. The new timber stringers will be pressure-treated southern yellow pine and the new decking will be white oak. The custom white oak components have been stored and air drying since October 2021.
The existing timber curbs and railings will be replaced with new timbers. The bridge will be cleaned and painted, including the structural steel superstructure and timber railings, trusses and siding.
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A new red cedar hand-split shake roof will replace the existing shake roof.
Additional repairs will also include replacing sections of damaged and deteriorated timber siding, repointing of the stone masonry throughout the substructure and other structural steel repairs.
History
Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge was constructed in 1872, designed by Charles Ogden Holcombe of Lambertville. After being damaged in 1960, it was dismantled and replaced with a modern bridge but in the following year, after a public outcry, the bridge was rebuilt with the original materials.“The Delaware Township Covered Bridge is an iconic historical symbol in our community and I’m happy to see this project coming to fruition,” Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun Van Doren said.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge in Delaware NJ closing for repairs
