The bridge over the Stony Brook is still closed to vehicles over 20 tons, or 10,000 pounds. Detours are in place.
PRINCETON -- The Route 206 bridge over the Stony Brook reopened late Sunday after a week of emergency repairs on the state's oldest span, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) said Monday.
The DOT opened the road at 8 p.m. Sunday to vehicles under 20 tons. Vehicles over the limit must still use a detour in place.
A parapet collapsed on the stone bride's southbound side Feb. 22 and the state originally installed precast barriers on both lanes of traffic.
More inspections over the next few days, though, revealed found cracks and voids in the stone arches and significant scour at the bridge's footings, and the state closed the bridge on Feb. 29
Scour is the removal of sediment such as sand and rocks from around bridge abutments or piers, potentially compromising the integrity of a structure, the DOT said.
Rt. 206 closed indefinitely at N.J.'s oldest bridge
Work crews installed a portable dam around the footings and made improvements to the drainage in the area to reduce the impact of potential flooding or water damage due to heavy rains, the DOT said.
Also, the state repaved the road surface on bridge to ensure a safe experience for drivers.
The DOT said temporary overnight lane closures during off-peak hours may be necessary over the next few weeks to do follow-up work. The state will provide advisories before any traffic pattern changes, the DOT said.
The following detours remain in place for both directions of Route 206 for vehicles over 20 tons (40,000 pounds).
- Southbound motorists will make a right on Georgetown Franklin Road (County Routye 518), a left Hopewell Princeton Road and a right back onto Route 206 Southbound.
- Northbound motorists will make left onto Carter Road, a right onto Georgetown Franklin Road and a left back onto Route 206 northbound.
Motorists are encouraged to check the DOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time updates.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.