2026 ACECNJ Fall Conference

This presentation details the evolution of the Irving Street Bridge replacement project in downtown Rahway, New Jersey. The bridge, a three-barrel stone and brick arch structure built circa 1875, is one of only two remaining stone-arch bridges in Union County and is considered a historically eligible structure. The project began in 2016 as a replacement for the structurally deficient bridge. However, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office preferred a rehabilitation approach to preserve its historical character, leading to a new goal of building a "bridge within a
bridge". This plan was ultimately disrupted in 2021 when Hurricane Ida caused significant damage, including the collapse of the downstream parapet. The damage revealed that the spandrel walls were filled with large stone and debris, making rehabilitation no longer a viable option. Consequently, the project reverted to a full replacement, with a design that honors the bridge's original aesthetic while meeting modern standards. The new structure is a two-span bridge featuring precast concrete arches, cast-in-place foundations and an ashlar stone façade to maintain
its historic appearance. The parapet was designed to match the original shape while complying with current MASH safety standards. The presentation outlines the construction phase, which involves navigating tight site conditions and numerous utilities. The project, with a bid cost of $3,364,870.00, is scheduled for completion in October 2026.

Learning Objectives:
Following the presentation, participants will be able to describe the evolution of a historically significant bridge replacement project, including how unforeseen events like Hurricane Ida necessitated a complete change in design from rehabilitation to reconstruction. They will also gain insight into the specific engineering solutions, historical coordination, and construction management strategies used to execute this complex project in a dense urban environment.

Audience:
The session is intended for professionals in civil engineering, public works, construction management, and project management, particularly those who work on public infrastructure projects involving historical structures. It addresses the complex, multi-faceted challenge of replacing aging, historically significant infrastructure in a dense urban environment. It specifically details how to manage a project that is radically altered by a catastrophic recent event (a hurricane), forcing a shift from a planned rehabilitation to a full replacement. The presentation is a case study from the perspective of RVE, the firm that designed and managed the replacement. It showcases their process, challenges, and
solutions. The session covers the entire project lifecycle, including initial design, regulatory and historical approvals, crisis response and redesign after Hurricane Ida, and construction management and coordination. The presentation is heavily influenced by the damage caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021, which was the pivotal event that made the original plan to rehabilitate the bridge impossible and required a complete redesign.