Rte 542 bridge over the Wading River

[MuckSavage]

I was assigned one of the greatest projects of my career. It seems the aforementioned bridge hasn't been opened in about 10 years. Over the last 2 days we replaced the frozen/corroded brake assembly, lubricated the trunions and some other miscellaneous work. This morning, we completed a test opening. It may not seem like a big deal but this bridge opens by hand! Two men insert a tee handle onto a drive nut & basically walk in circles as the bascule span raises. I've worked on big bridges but the simple nature of this was the best.

 

[Teegate]

Very nice post!

 

[1Jerseydevil]

Interesting. Wonder how long it takes to fully open and close? I wasn't aware the river was navigable on the up stream side. I guess it is since it's an opening bridge. So if a boat wanted to pass under the bridge who would be contacted and how far in advance if you happen to know? Just curious.

 

[46er]

Do you know how much the concrete weighs? A true balancing act

http://bridgehunter.com/nj/burlington/3H8001/

 

[MuckSavage]

Interesting. Wonder how long it takes to fully open and close? I wasn't aware the river was navigable on the up stream side. I guess it is since it's an opening bridge. So if a boat wanted to pass under the bridge who would be contacted and how far in advance if you happen to know? Just curious.

It took us about 30 minutes to open & close the bridge, but that was taking many breaks to check/adjust the new brake, grease the trunion bearings & checking that it wouldn't contact a handrail the was installed on the pier a few years ago. To get a bridge opening, contact Burlington County Engineering/Highway Dept 24 hours in advance. (There's a sign on the bridge)

 

[MuckSavage]

Do you know how much the concrete weighs? A true balancing act

http://bridgehunter.com/nj/burlington/3H8001/

I'll see if I can dig up the balance calculations