the staff of the Ridgewood blog
LODI, NJ — After more than a year of closure, the Passaic Avenue Bridge in Lodi has officially reopened following a $3.8 million reconstruction project that modernized the 121-year-old span while preserving its critical role in the community.
The newly built 76-foot steel girder bridge features a reinforced concrete deck, 12-foot travel lanes, shoulders, and ADA-compliant sidewalks on both sides. Designed with stronger “H-pile” foundations and an improved hydraulic profile, the new structure is built to withstand flooding and heavy daily traffic, officials said.
A Historic Crossing Brought Into the Future
Originally built in 1903, when Theodore Roosevelt was president, the Passaic Avenue Bridge had long been labeled “functionally obsolete.” Its sidewalks had been closed since Hurricane Ida in 2021, and local leaders agreed it was beyond repair.
“This bridge couldn’t take any more Band-Aids,” said Mayor Scott Luna. “The reopening is a milestone for Lodi. It’s more than infrastructure—it’s a gateway for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On August 22, 2025, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and Mayor Luna gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate the reopening.
“Today, we not only reopened a bridge — we restored a critical connection for the people of Lodi and the thousands who depend on it every day,” Tedesco said. “After more than a century of service, this crossing has been renewed to safely serve our residents for decades to come.”
Safer, Stronger, and Ready for the Next Century
The project also included:
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Elevated clearance to help prevent storm debris buildup.
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New curbs, guiderails, ADA ramps, and striping for safer pedestrian and vehicle access.
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Improved resilience against flooding from the Saddle River below.
The bridge sees not only thousands of vehicles daily but also heavy pedestrian traffic, connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and the Boys & Girls Club of Lodi.
Funding the Project
The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program funded $3.2 million of the cost, with the remainder covered by county and local grants dating back to 2020.
County Commissioner Steve Tanelli emphasized that the project is an example of government working at its best: “We delivered a bridge that meets modern standards while honoring more than 120 years of history. This is government working for the people in a very tangible way.”
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