Hi The Oceanic Bridge provides an important link between the Borough of Rumson and the Township of Middletown for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and emergency response vehicles. Additionally, it provides an emergency evacuation route for Shore communities.
In recent years the bridge has required numerous repairs which have impacted the daily activities of local residents and businesses. A long-term solution is necessary to avoid future disruptions and maintain the connection between the Borough of Rumson and the Township of Middletown, as well as maritime activity on the Navesink River.
The Local Concept Development (LCD) Study phase will develop a Purpose and Need Statement that identifies the bridge improvement goals and objectives. The Purpose and Need Statement will be used to evaluate conceptual alternatives. A range of alternatives will be studied, such as:
- A “no-build” or “do nothing” alternative
- Major rehabilitation of the bridge
- Bridge replacement
As the bridge serves many varied interests, the LCD Study phase is designed to enable public participation. Future plans for the Oceanic Bridge will be presented to the public so the voices of the community are heard.
The Project Team will coordinate with representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, Borough of Rumson, Township of Middletown, and other stakeholders.
What are the Components of the LCD Study phase?
Public Outreach: The Project Team will prepare a Public Involvement Action Plan (PIAP) to outline public participation during the Study. Public Outreach, an important component of a LCD Study phase, helps guide the process by facilitating public input.
Existing Conditions: The Project Team will gather data from the Oceanic Bridge area including bridge condition, traffic conditions, maritime activity, crash data, local demographics, and environmental information.
Developing the Purpose and Need Statement: The Project Team will prepare a statement that explains the project’s purpose, need, and goals and objectives. This statement will define the problem that needs to be addressed and describe other issues that need to be considered as part of the overall solution.
Alternatives Analysis: The Project Team will consider possible conceptual alternatives to meet the Purpose and Need and Goals and Objectives. Engineers will provide technical information for each alternative. The range of options as possible conceptual alternatives will include a “no-build” alternative, major rehabilitation, and replacement. Local officials, community stakeholders, and the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the development of conceptual alternatives.
Final Recommendation: Once the conceptual alternatives have been identified, the Project Team will incorporate data collected from public outreach, existing conditions, environmental screening, constructability, estimated costs and create an alternatives analysis matrix to recommend a preliminary preferred option, called a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA).
The Team will develop a conceptual plan for the PPA as part of the final Concept Development Report. Once a Preliminary Preferred Alternative is recommended with resolution of support by the municipalities and the County, and with concurrence from the Inter-Agency Review Committee (IRC), the project would move to the Preliminary Engineering phase.