Aug. 13—’Lettiere announces crucial preparatory work for $33 million bridge safety project in Trenton.’
The above headline occurred in 2003 as Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere announced a paving project on local streets in Trenton that would serve as the necessary preparatory work for the replacement of three aging bridges over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.”While it’s critical that we repair three aging bridges across the Northeast Corridor rail line here in Trenton, we recognize the problems inherent in a proposed detour route for residents,” said Lettiere. “Working together with State and local leaders, we’ve come up with a solution.”
A press release explained the preparatory construction work included rehabilitation of several local streets in and around the three bridges scheduled for replacement on East State Street, Chestnut Avenue and Monmouth Street.
NJDOT had secured a total of $1.3 million to repave Lincoln Avenue, Monmouth Street, Chestnut Avenue, Chambers Street, East State Street and Greenwood Avenue. The project included new traffic patterns on these streets.
“Rehabilitating these streets will benefit Trenton beyond the duration of this bridge replacement project,” Lettiere said. “Trenton’s aging infrastructure is not unique. We have bridges like these all across the state that are in need of repair. And we are going to fix them all one bridge at time, one street at a time.”
The bridge replacement projects were expected to begin in fall 2006 and completely replace all three structures and improve road safety in the area. Traffic flow will be greatly improved by new signals at the intersection of East State Street and Monmouth Street.
The Commissioner was joined by Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, for the announcement.
“I am very pleased that we are able to use our resources to improve the infrastructure of our older and urban municipalities,” said Assemblywoman Watson Coleman. “As we look to curb suburban sprawl, supporting our older municipalities through these types of improvements versus new development is a win-win situation for everyone”.
Funding for the road rehabilitation would be provided through the State’s 1999 Bridge Bond Fund.
“It is important Trenton receives its fair share of transportation dollars from the Bridge Bond Act,” said Assemblyman Gusciora. “I am pleased the State recognizes this important transportation project that will lessen the burdens on our commuters in the capital city”.
“This repaving project is a welcome next step, building on the $258,000 Lincoln Avenue reconstruction effort,” said Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. “Repaving the key streets surrounding the three Amtrak bridges will meet the high traffic demands during the bridges’ reconstruction. We’re delighted with DOT’s proactive support across the entire planned detour route.”
Of course, work never occurred in the first bridge to nowhere initiative. In October 2024, Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ) secured $47 million in federal funding to replace the century-old Lincoln Avenue Bridge. Mercer County received funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Bridge Investment Program (BIP). Senator Booker strongly advocated for Mercer County’s grant application.
Press releases noted the monies represented a new round of funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will build, repair, and modernize regionally significant bridges in 19 states. The FWHA announced nearly $635 million total for 22 small and medium-sized bridge projects with the funding for the Lincoln Avenue Bridge being the fourth largest award in this announcement.
The County’s Lincoln Avenue Bridge Replacement Project will include the construction of a new bridge over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Rail Line, an inactive rail yard, and Assunpink Creek, which is a tributary of the Delaware River. The bridge, which was built in 1931 and has served Trenton’s communities for decades, is now close to structural failure and in need of urgent replacement.
Here’s a new batch of comments offered by state politicians.
“The Lincoln Avenue Bridge has served Trenton’s residents for generations but has now reached the end of its lifespan,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to have helped secure this unprecedented $47 million investment to replace this century-old bridge, and ensure everyone in Mercer County has access to safe and reliable infrastructure for years to come.”
“I am so excited to announce this significant investment from the Biden-Harris Administration to improve the Lincoln Avenue Bridge,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “This funding will improve the safety, reliability, and durability of the Lincoln Ave bridge, which thousands of Trentonians cross daily, whether to get to work, pick up their kids, run to the grocery store, attend school, or meet up with friends. I’m incredibly grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Buttigieg, Mercer County, and the City of Trenton for their partnership.”
“I want to thank Senator Booker and Congresswoman Watson Coleman for partnering with us to procure the largest infrastructure grant in Mercer County history. For nearly a century The Lincoln Avenue Bridge has tied together neighborhoods in our Capital City, and by replacing the aging structure we ensure that this corridor remains safe and accessible to Trenton residents for generations to come. We’re excited to kick off another major public works project for Mercer County, and we look forward to using local labor to build under a Project Labor Agreement,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.
“The DOT’s Bridge Investment Program funding is essential for advancing the Lincoln Avenue Bridge project,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. This funding will not only enhance accessibility and safety for our community, but will also ensure that our infrastructure is equipped to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. We are grateful for this investment in our Capital City.”
Twenty-two years have passed since the original attempt to replace the Lincoln Avenue Bridge. If the span was in bad shape then, one can surmise an extra two decades added more deterioration. Just how safe is the bridge? And, whatever happened to the $33 million and the 2003 project?
While Lincoln Avenue Bridge construction seems like a reality this time, remember this is Trenton where progress crawls and creeps.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
Originally Published: August 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM EDT
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