Project: NJ Route 37 EB Mathis Bridge  Grid Manufacturer: LB Foster 

Location: Ocean County, NJ. Contractor: Schiavone Construction

Install Date: 2015-2017  Design Engineering Company: WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff

Bridge Owner: NJDOT

 

Project Description: The Mathis Bridge over the Barnegat Bay is comprised of over 60 flanking and approach fixed spans, and a double-leaf bascule span, and is only a football field short of 1-mile long. Due to normal deterioration triggered by the structure’s age and damage caused by an encounter with Hurricane Sandy in 2012, many components in the spans are in poor condition and ready for replacement as part of a 3-year $79 million rehabilitation. The eastbound Mathis and parallel westbound Tunney Bridges are important means for daily commuters and a critical evacuation route from the barrier island. Considering the importance of needing both structures during the summer and hurricane months, the contractor will only be permitted seasonal closures to the Mathis Bridge between November and early May. During construction, eastbound traffic will be diverted to the Tunney Bridge. 

Notable Features of Project: A precast Exodermic® deck utilizing lightweight concrete was used to accelerate the project and achieve an upgraded live load capacity of the structure to HS-25. Repetitive details allowed about 150,000 square feet or 85% of the total surface area to be accounted for by just two main panel configurations. A 3/4” polyester polymer (PPC) overlay will seal the closure pours and protect the precast panels for extended longevity.