Seven Bridges Road Project Update [PHOTOS]

Traffic should begin flowing along Seven Bridges Road by mid-February, according to Little Silver Mayor Robert Neff, Jr.

We asked the mayor last week if he could give us an update on the which has been the source of traffic snarls throughout town, and he got the lowdown from the county engineers overseeing the project that work remains on schedule.

Neff said that according to County Engineer Joseph Ettore and Asst. County Engineer Dennis Walsh, "the road willl reopen to traffic during the first or second week of February 2013."

Neff said, "Neither engineer reports any significant surprises, and I can advise that the county has been very responsive in addressing the few questions we've received from residents."

A pedestrian walkway was installed in September, and the old bridge has been demolished. "Cofferdams have been constructed to provide dry areas for construction of the bridge abutments. Construction of the foundation for the new bridge is underway," Neff explained. "This involves the driving of steel piles, which are being installed (using the large crane currently on site) to support the concrete abutments. Weather permitting, these abutments are expected to be constructed by the end of November."

Walsh said in an e-mail, "Once the foundation is complete (and again, weather permitting) the installation of the precast beam superstructure, new bridge deck and roadway can begin." He added, "This portion of the project will be performed through December and January."

The county anticipates minor construction to remain once the roadway is repoened, said Neff.

"I would encourage all residents to continue to be patient, and to continue to drive carefully and within the temporary detour as the project is completed," Neff said.