East Anderson Street / Cedar Lane Bridge Replacement Project
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of a bridge is the existing East Anderson Street Bridge?
The existing East Anderson Street Bridge is a six-span bridge, as follows:
- Bridge spans the Hackensack River between the City of Hackensack and Township of Teaneck
- Year Built: Originally constructed in 1971.
- Bridge type: six-span, simply supported (pinned support at one end; roller support on the other) and has prestressed concrete box beams
- Overall length: 302 feet
- Bridge roadway width: 52 feet
What is the existing condition of the bridge?
Based on the 2016 NJDOT Consultant Bridge Re-Evaluation Report, the overall physical condition of the bridge is poor. The bridge is presently weight-restricted to 15 tons, with the outer lanes closed to traffic. The bridge is safe to travel on with the present restricted limitation and with the ongoing structural maintenance required from the NJDOT bi-annual bridge inspection.
What is the Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) Phase?
The current phase of this project is Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE). The LPE Phase involves performing engineering and environmental tasks and documentation in order to obtain National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance for the project. Based on the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA), a number of activities are simultaneously set in motion: community involvement (meetings with affected property owners or business owners), agency consultation, environmental documentation, design level mapping and design services. To inform and to encourage community consensus, community stakeholder and public information center meetings will be conducted.
The tasks conducted during the LPE Phase consist of, but are not limited to:
- Technical Environmental Studies (including Section 106 and Section 4(f) Evaluation)
- NEPA Document (Categorical Exclusion)
- Development of design level base plans
- Utility discovery and verification
- Geotechnical studies (soil boring and analysis) for foundation and pavement design
- Preliminary drainage work
- Structural studies that document the structural selection process and the recommended structure and aesthetic treatments
- Access impact evaluation
- Development of property acquisition cost estimates and project cost estimates
Additional information about Local Preliminary Engineering is on the NJTPA website. The list of outreach meetings held and associated documents can be found on this website under Community Involvement / Activities To Date or click here.
What is the Project Schedule?
- Local Concept Development Study – completed Spring 2020
- Local Preliminary Engineering Phase – current, Spring 2022 – Spring 2024
- Final Design Phase – anticipated Spring 2024 – Spring 2026
- Construction Phase – anticipated beginning Fall 2026
Will the bridge be closed during construction?
Bergen County and the project team are developing a design that will maintain traffic during each stage of construction to avoid long-term closures for vehicles and pedestrians.
If a need is identified for any short-term detour during the construction phase, Bergen County would notify the traveling public well in advance unless it is an unexpected emergency.
What was the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study? Why was this bridge study necessary?
The East Anderson Street Bridge, also known as Cedar Lane Bridge, was originally constructed in 1971. In 2012, due to structural deficiencies, a weight restriction was instituted, barring trucks, buses, and other vehicles over 15 tons from crossing the span. The two outer lanes of the bridge were also closed at that time. Deterioration, deficiencies in structure, and increased traffic volume are some of the reasons why this bridge is in need of improvements beyond routine repairs. This Study was to look at options including major rehabilitation or replacement utilizing the Local Capital Project Delivery Program federal funding.
The Local Concept Development (LCD) Study was the first phase in the project. The purpose of an LCD Study is to determine what improvements are needed. During this phase, the Project Team coordinated with representatives from NJDOT, Federal Highway Administration, Bergen County, City of Hackensack, Township of Teaneck and other community stakeholders and agencies.
A Purpose and Need Statement was developed and used to evaluate the conceptual alternatives for bridge improvement. Conceptual alternatives studied included a “no-build” alternative, major rehabilitation of the bridge and replacement of the bridge. Conceptual plans were presented to the public so that the community’s voices were heard.
The Project Team then incorporated data collected from public outreach, existing conditions, environmental screening, constructability and estimated costs to create an alternatives analysis matrix and identify a recommended Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA). The municipalities and county provided resolutions of support for the PPA and, with concurrence from the Interagency Review Committee (IRC), the project was advanced to the Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) phase.
Additional information about Local Concept Development is on the NJTPA website. The list of outreach meetings held and associated documents can be found on this website under Community Involvement / Activities To Date or click here.
Have the project’s improvements been decided?
The County and the municipalities of Hackensack and Teaneck passed resolutions of support for the bridge to be replaced and advanced the project to the Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) Phase. Further engineering and environmental work will occur in this phase to develop the preliminary design plans and refinements to the proposed improvements for the bridge and approach roadway intersections near the bridge.
Please see the conceptual plan of the recommended Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) located on this website under the Resources/Project Documents and Maps or click here.
How will the project benefit pedestrians and bicyclists?
As part of the LCD Study, the project team asked for input from the local officials and community stakeholders to understand what pedestrian and bicycle mobility and access is needed. When developing the project Purpose and Need for improvements, all modes of transportation were taken into consideration regarding the proposed bridge improvements, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit, vehicular, and marine uses. The PPA recommends sidewalks and shoulders on both sides of the bridge to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and safety.
How much will it cost and who will pay for it?
The cost of implementing the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was estimated as part of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study, and the LPE Phase and future phases will qualify to be funded with Federal dollars provided the design and construction plans meet the Federal requirements.
How will the project affect the environment?
As part of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Process, an environmental screening was performed. The environmental screening identified the issues, concerns, and potential “fatal flaws” related to the social, economic, and environmental resources that aided in establishing impacts for the various alternatives. The screening included a review of the potential impacts to air/noise receptors, ecological constraints, cultural resources, publicly owned parks and recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, hazardous materials (known contaminated sites), socioeconomics, and environmental justice.
At this stage in the project, the environmental screening has been prepared and reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Bureau of Environmental Program Resources (BEPR). The Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA), as it is advanced in the LPE phase, will have further environmental and cultural resource studies conducted in accordance with State and Federal permitting agencies.
Why get involved?
The project team is very interested in knowing how the local community uses the bridge and any current approach roadway concerns, and welcomes input regarding the proposed bridge replacement improvements. Community Outreach during the LCD Study was an important part of the transportation improvement process and public outreach will continue during the LPE and future phases of the project.
Why attend the public meetings?
Attendance at public meetings is a good way to make your voice heard and to ensure a successful project that meets the community’s needs and aspirations. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can keep tabs on new project developments by visiting the project website and reviewing the meeting summary reports and PowerPoint presentations. Naturally, coming to the meeting, or attending online if the meeting is held virtually, is the best way to stay informed, provide input, and discuss any questions you may have with the project team present. However, if you still have questions, we’ve made it easy for you to reach the County and the Project Team directly by using the General Comment Form.
How can I stay informed or offer suggestions?
Bergen County and the cooperating agencies of NJTPA and NJDOT encourage transportation improvements that best balance transportation needs, the environment, community concerns and cost. As part of the Community Outreach effort, there will be outreach meetings held to share project information and obtain input.
Please:
- Check this website regularly for updated information
- Attend public outreach meetings
- Complete the General Comment Form
What are some common structural terms that apply to this bridge?
Please read the attached document to learn more about common structural terms that apply to this bridge: Common Structural Terms PDF
What if I have other questions or concerns about the project?
Bergen County and the cooperating agencies of NJTPA and NJDOT encourage community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions to the Project Team. To ask questions or provide input, please use the General Comment Form or contact:
Joseph Baladi, P.E., P.P., CME
Division Head – Planning (Bergen County Project Manager)
One Bergen County Plaza, 4th Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
email: eastandersonbridgeproject@gmail.com