Brielle Drawbridge Over Manasquan River Replacement Project

Thank you for your interest in the Brielle Drawbridge Replacement Project. The public comment perlod is currently closed.

More opportunities to provide feedback to NJ TRANSIT will be provided both virtually and in person as the Project continues to advance through
the design process.

Brielle Drawbridge Over Manasquan River Replacement Project

Thank you for your interest in the Brielle Drawbridge Replacement Project. The public comment perlod is currently closed.

More opportunities to provide feedback to NJ TRANSIT will be provided both virtually and in person as the Project continues to advance through
the design process.

Public Information Center

New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT), committed to developing transportation improvements that best balance transportation needs, the environment, community concerns and costs, will hold a Virtual Public Information Center (PIC) to provide local residents and businesses with information on the Brielle Drawbridge Replacement project. You are encouraged to actively participate by providing comments by mail or e-mail.

The Public Information Center will be held virtually. Please visit the website any time between August 4th and August 18th, 2025 to learn more about the project and to leave comments.

You will have an opportunity to review a presentation, view project information and submit comments or questions. Property owners with rental units are advised that tenants are also invited and encouraged to participate. If you are unable to view the presentation but are interested in learning more about this project, please contact NJ TRANSIT at the email address listed below.


Project Information

This project proposes to replace the existing Undergrade Brielle Drawbridge at MP 36.09 on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) over the Manasquan River that connects the towns of Brielle and Point Pleasant Beach. The bridge currently has one (1) track at the movable span, and two (2) tracks on each approach, which has created an operational bottleneck. The existing bridge also faces resiliency challenges, with the tops of the piers submerged during high tide and the tracks completely submerged during Superstorm Sandy.

The goals of the project would be to address structural deficiencies; construct a more reliable, durable bridge with improved flood resiliency; restore two-track capacity across the bridge; and minimize rail and maritime operational impacts. NJ TRANSIT has determined that replacement of the structure is the preferred solution. During the current Concept Development phase, NJ TRANSIT has explored the following options for a bridge replacement:

  • Alignment: On-line vs. Off-line
  • Movable Bridge Types: Bascule vs. Vertical Lift
  • Approach Span Types: Steel vs. Concrete

All options will achieve the following:

  • Full Bridge Replacement
  • Restore Two Track Capacity
  • Raise the Vertical Profile to Improve Maritime Operations and Flood Resiliency

The proposed bridge replacement plans will be developed to minimize impacts to marine navigation during construction. River channel restrictions will be coordinated with the US Coast Guard.

  • Concept Development Complete: 2025
  • Preliminary Engineering Complete: 2026
  • Final Design Complete: 2028
  • Construction Start: 2029

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Contact by Mail

Meredith Hammond
Regional Coordinator

New Jersey Department of Transportation Office of Community Relations
P.O. Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600