the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Riderwood NJ, Village Manager Keith Kazmark has announced a $10,073.95 change order for engineering services needed to ensure the safe and proper rehabilitation of the Kingsbridge Lane Pedestrian Bridge, a vital community walkway that spans the Saddle River.
Inspection Reveals New Repair Needs
Since the removal of the bridge in November 2024, contractor Fred Devens Construction has conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge’s bearings, joints, and trench drains at both abutments. The construction team then consulted with Genesis Engineering, the project’s structural engineer, to evaluate what work would be necessary to reinstall the bridge safely.
“Genesis Engineering examined the abutments to determine what modifications would be needed to support the reinstallation,” Kazmark explained during a recent update. Ridgewood Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser, in collaboration with the contractor and engineers, recommended awarding the design services contract to Genesis and Devens to move forward with essential repairs.
Engineering Contract Set for May 14 Vote
The $10,073.95 change order for design services will be presented to the Village Council for approval on May 14. If approved, the work will help align the bridge’s structural components with the existing infrastructure and prepare it for reinstallation.
The projected reopening of the bridge is early June 2025, though officials note the timeline is still subject to change depending on construction conditions and weather.
Background: A Bridge With High Community Impact
The Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge, also known locally as the East Saddle River Bridge, was closed in June 2021 and removed in late 2024 due to severe structural damage caused by age, weather exposure, and corrosion.
Originally deemed beyond repair by a structural engineer, plans were made to replace the bridge entirely, with costs estimated at $375,000 to $400,000, accounting for required ADA compliance. However, after further review and a second engineering opinion, it was determined that the bridge could be rehabilitated instead of replaced, potentially saving the village significant funds and preserving the structure’s legacy.
Community Pressure for Progress
Local residents have voiced concerns over delays, citing the bridge’s importance to commuters heading to NYC and students traveling to local schools and downtown Ridgewood. The closure has disrupted daily pedestrian routines, and the community continues to push for expedited completion.
The latest update from Kazmark and the pending engineering contract approval offers renewed hope that the bridge will soon be restored and reopened.
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Another Ridgewood engineering screw up. This could have been fixed years ago.
the common denominator : Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser
Don’t forget taxpayers, the bridge was destroyed in 1999 from storm Floyd. That bridge was actually loosened up and should’ve been paid from FEMA. I’m sure the village received funds from FEMA back. They failed to use them so in the past 25 years they did Band-Aid on top of Band-Aid repairs. Oh yes, I know.
That won’t be the last money needed either. They will come back to the well again and again.
Youncnango back and look at the history of all contracts awarded by Ridgewood village.
They are always awarded to known firms for a lower price which then comes back with a change order!!
Remember a lot of contractors do not wanna work for the village.