Ep 74: The NJDOT Episode

Trenton's own John Hatch provided us (AND the NJDOT) with 5 things the NJDOT can do right now to improve the site! Here they are:

1.      Confirm that the facing on the new parapet wall will be natural stone selected to match the stone on the historic bridge below.

2.      Adjust the design of the walls on both sides of the bridge so that each end of each wall is terminated by a “pier” or pilaster that is slightly wider and taller than the rest of the parapet wall.  We are anticipating that these “piers” could be used as bases for decorative lights.  We believe that this minor change will not only add interest to the design, but will make it safer by providing clear and obvious visual cues for the start and end of the bridge.  This is particularly important as the bridge is located both on a hill and a curve.

3.      Remove the existing steel outriggers on the upstream side of the bridge.  These are unnecessary and unattractive.

4.      Hang piping from the upstream (less obtrusive) side of the bridge to allow for the future relocation of the steam and other utility piping that is currently located on the downstream side of the bridge.

​5.      Confirm that the bridge design can accommodate two-way traffic in the event that traffic patterns in downtown Trenton are improved.

​Response from NJDOT? Crickets. Click here to get their attention.

This week's special episode of Trenton Waves focuses on the replacement of the South Broad Street Bridge over the Assunpink Creek in Trenton.  This is an extraordinarily historic location, site of the gristmill of the first settlement of Trenton in 1679; site of the subsequent 1721 Trent's Town industrial complex of William Trent; site of the bridge over which the Hessians sought to escape in the first Battle of Trenton; site of the Second Battle of Trenton; and site of George Washington’s welcome into Trenton as he travelled from Mount Vernon to his first inauguration in New York in 1789.

Apparently, NJDOT doesn't think the street bridge is all that important. 
 
Most unfortunate, during recent meetings with NJDOT when asked what they were going to do about it, we were told “it’s not our problem.”
 
​Well, it's about to BE their problem. Click here or on the image to see how YOU can help!

​Right click on "DOWNLOAD FILE" and click "OPEN LINK IN NEW TAB" or Left click on "DOWNLOAD FILE" to download to your computer or mobile device, then play file from there.

The NJDOT Episode
File Size:	27787 kb
File Type:	mp3

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