The Aberdeen-Keyport bridge (MA-14) covering the Matawan Creek has officially re-opened.

The old bridge, which had a regular traffic flow of over 8,000 cars daily, had been closed and replaced due to age and corrosion concerns.

The new bridge has wide sidewalks in both directions and better vertical clearance for marine traffic over the creek.

Overall, the nearly $25,700,000.00 project work included reconstruction of 700-feet of approach roadway improvements, including new concrete curb and sidewalks, beam guide rail and widening of the existing bridge deck to include safety shoulders and new retaining walls with 4- bar open steel parapet and lighting on pylons.

A ribbing cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the re-opening which was attended by the Freeholders, local officials, residents and business owners.

"We are proud to add this bridge to the increasing list of structures that the County has improved or reconstructed," Freeholder Director Tom Arnone, liaison to the County's Department of Public Works and Engineering said. "The County is constantly evaluating and maintaining its inventory of more than 980 bridges and culverts, and we appreciate the cooperation and patience of residents when work must be done."

The construction cost was funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation Local Aid Office and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

The contractor for this project was George Harms Construction Inc. of Farmingdale.

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