Work Begins on $6.7 Billion-Plus Newark Bay Bridge Replacement

Work is underway to replace the aging Newark Bay Bridge, a major link on the New Jersey Turnpike extension between Newark and Hudson County.

The replacement is expected to cost more than $6.7 billion, making it the largest single project undertaken by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. The existing bridge, also known as the Casciano Memorial Bridge, opened in 1956 and will remain open during construction.

The new cable-stayed bridge will be built just north of the current crossing. It will keep two traffic lanes in each direction while adding full shoulders, giving disabled vehicles and emergency responders more room.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Turnpike Authority executive director Kris Kolluri marked the start of the project at a groundbreaking ceremony. Kolluri said in-water work has begun, with temporary construction trestles expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Gothamist reported a completion target of 2031. PIX11 described the expected opening as between 2031 and 2032. The project will be funded by toll revenue.

The current plan is smaller than an earlier proposal that included two replacement bridges and widening toward the Holland Tunnel. Those extra lanes were dropped after objections from local communities and environmental groups.