Saved From the Scrap Heap: Ridgewood’s Historic Kingsbridge Lane Bridge Returns After Rehabilitation Project Saves Thousands in Taxpayer Dollars!
photo courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Great news for Ridgewood commuters and local historians! The long-awaited return of the Kingsbridge Lane Pedestrian Bridge—also known as the East Saddle River Bridge—is finally underway. Village Manager Keith Kazmark shared the exciting update on Facebook today, confirming the physical delivery of the rehabilitated structure back to its original site.
“The bridge is back! Today, the Kingsbridge Lane pedestrian bridge was delivered back home. It will take a few weeks of site preparation before it is reinstalled, but we are pleased that this important project is nearing its conclusion,” Kazmark stated.
From Replacement Threat to Restoration Victory
The footbridge, a critical local pathway, was closed in June 2021 and removed in late 2024 due to severe structural damage from age, weather, and corrosion.
Initially, a structural engineer deemed the bridge beyond repair, leading to plans for a total replacement estimated to cost between $375,000 and $400,000, factoring in necessary ADA compliance upgrades.
However, after a second engineering review, the Village made a strategic decision: the bridge could be rehabilitated instead of replaced. This move is expected to save the Village significant funds while preserving the structure’s historical legacy.
The Road to Reinstallation
Since its removal in November 2024, the bridge has been meticulously restored. Contractor Fred Devens Construction first conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge’s critical components, including bearings, joints, and trench drains.
The construction team worked closely with Genesis Engineering, the project’s structural engineer, to map out the necessary repairs and abutment modifications needed for a safe reinstallation.
Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser collaborated with the project team to recommend moving forward with essential repairs, ensuring the bridge meets all modern safety and structural standards. While site preparation will take a few weeks, residents can anticipate the reinstallation soon, marking the successful conclusion of this major infrastructure project.
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It looks beautiful, all restored, and yet Our great engineering director, Chris, said it cannot be restored. remember that escapade boy oh boy, this company embarrassed him, put his tail between his legs with that comment this room is out there that he is retiring at the end of the year. Hopefully, they hire from the outside get a real director with real experience. Not another puppet. Or a yes, man, or a big ass kisser to the mayor and council.
Jokes on him as always. His retiring is a better gift to Ridgewood than the pavilion to Healthbarn. Hahaha.
Next let’s get Nancy Bigios out!!!!
I wonder if they used any of the money they receive from FEMA back in 1999, when that bridge was lifted up from the storm and damaged. Probably not, that money went elsewhere. Dirty dirty.
Ridiculous how long it took. As soon as it was damaged many years ago, we should’ve been professionally removed and restored it just was. This issue has been going on since 1999. Band-Aid on top of Band-Aid.
Did you read the article? This was not a band aid. It was just professionally removed, rehabilitated, and restored. And the bridge was fine until the July storm of 2021.
Thank you Lorraine Renyolds.
What a waste of money, was never used.
I think you need to get out more