N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-12.14

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 7:7-12.14 - Bridges

(a) A bridge is any continuous structure spanning a water body, except for an overhead transmission line.

(b) Bridges are conditionally acceptable provided:

1. There is a demonstrated need that cannot be satisfied by existing facilities;

2. Pedestrian and bicycle use is provided for unless it is demonstrated to be inappropriate; and

3. Fishing catwalks and platforms are provided to the maximum extent practicable. This shall be taken into consideration during the design phase of all proposed bridge projects.

(c) Rationale: Bridge crossings over bays, rivers, streams and other water areas are often necessary to provide continuity in the transportation system and, in the case of barrier islands, to link otherwise isolated land areas. The need to replace or upgrade bridges to safely maintain a transportation system is well recognized. However, the need for new bridges to accommodate additional traffic must be clearly demonstrated to justify potential adverse environmental effects on shellfish habitat, fish spawning grounds and migratory pathways, destruction of wetlands as well as aesthetic and air quality impacts. Bridges to barrier islands, in particular, must be reviewed in accordance with the General Location rule on Secondary Impacts.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-12.14

Renumbered from 7:7E-4.13 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015