$2M Repairs Done At Historic West Caldwell Bridge

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — An “iconic symbol of West Caldwell” is back in action, officials reported.

On Friday, county officials held a dedication ceremony at the recently repaired Orton Road Bridge, which was damaged during a severe rainstorm last year. The bridge needed major replacement because it was “structurally obsolete.” However, there was also a need to preserve the historic character of the crossing, which was built around 1880, and is eligible for inclusion on the National and New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

After last year’s storm, Essex County launched a repair effort, awarding Boswell Engineering from South Hackensack a $249,982 contract to design the new bridge and Reivax Contracting Corp. from Newark a publicly bid contract for $2,160,355 to perform the construction work.

Funding was provided through grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation's Local Bridges Future Needs Program and Annual Transportation Program, county officials stated.

To preserve the historical character of the old structure, the county consulted with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and the Historical Society of West Caldwell.

The design mimics the existing bridge's three-span, semi-circular arch configuration. In addition, the brownstones from the original bridge were salvaged during the demolition and reused in the construction of the fascia of the new bridge, a three-span, precast concrete arch structure with stone facing. Like the original structure, there will be two travel lanes, one in each direction. A sidewalk will be provided inside the bridge parapet on the east side of the bridge.

It was officially reopened to pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic on Aug. 30, restoring regular access to nearby Wilson Elementary School just in time for the beginning of the new school year.

West Caldwell Mayor Joseph Tempesta, Council President Joe Cecere and Councilman Stephen Wolsky were among the officials present at last week’s ceremony.

“Not only is the history of our township preserved, but the new bridge enhances safety for motorists and pedestrians,” Tempesta said. “It's a great day for West Caldwell.”

Frank Godlewski and Beverly Crifasi of the Historical Society of West Caldwell also had high praise for the construction project.

“This bridge is very important to the neighborhood - it's a community anchor - and we appreciate the attention the county gave to our concerns when the bridge was replaced,” Godlewski said.

“The Orton Road Bridge was an iconic symbol of West Caldwell and community input to preserve the historical integrity of the structure was strong,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“We are proud to have worked cooperatively with the township and Historical Society to develop a plan that provides West Caldwell with the modern infrastructure it deserves while preserving its past,” DiVincenzo added.

Other recent capital projects that Essex County has completed in West Caldwell include the repaving of Westville Avenue in 2018, Clinton Road in 2016 and Kirkpatrick Lane in 2013, planting of trees along County roads in 2011, installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Passaic Avenue and Terrace Place/Dillon Road in 2006, modernization of four intersections and streetscape improvements along Bloomfield Avenue in 2005 and replacement of the Kirkpatrick Lane Culvert in 2003.

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