Irving Street Bridge in Rahway Closes Today for $3 Million Replacement
The century-old bridge damaged by Hurricane Ida will remain closed for about a year as Union County begins a full rebuild.
Drivers are being rerouted along Elizabeth Avenue, West Main Street, and East Grand Avenue during the yearlong bridge replacement. (Credit: City of Rahway via Facebook)
October 27, 2025
The Irving Street Bridge in Rahway officially closed today, October 27, launching a yearlong replacement project that will reroute all vehicle and pedestrian traffic through downtown.
Union County officials said Irving Street will remain closed for approximately 12 months, with construction expected to finish by fall 2026.
During that time, drivers must use Elizabeth Avenue, West Main Street, and East Grand Avenue as alternate routes. A county-issued detour map shows traffic will loop around the construction zone near Seminary Avenue and Central Avenue.
County engineers confirmed that both lanes of the bridge and the sidewalks will remain closed throughout construction.
Emergency responders have been advised to plan alternate routes through downtown.
City officials thanked residents for their patience and said the work represents a significant investment in Rahway’s infrastructure and safety.
The bridge replacement is supported by $3 million in grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The county acquired $2 million in 2019 and an additional $1 million back in 2016.
The project is part of Union County’s broader Move Connect Grow initiative, which coordinates bridge and roadway reconstruction throughout the county. In addition, the City of Rahway received $101,050 through the 2024 Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid Grant, a county-funded program that supports local road and drainage improvements.
The county selected Remington & Vernick Engineers as both design and construction manager for the project, with oversight from Union County’s Division of Engineering.
Bid specifications show the new bridge will feature a two-barrel precast concrete arch structure with scour protection, reinforced concrete parapets, new sidewalks, and reconstructed roadway approaches.
The design includes a stone-veneer finish to reflect Rahway’s historic downtown while improving flood resilience after Hurricane Ida severely damaged the original 1895 stone-and-brick bridge.
A Project Labor Agreement was included in the county’s May 2024 bid documents. The contract requires epoxy-coated reinforcement steel and a monolithic concrete sidewalk and parapet system for added durability.
Union County said updates will be posted to the Road Construction Projects page at ucnj.org/road-construction-projects.
Residents can also contact [email protected] for local updates or detour questions.