Elizabeth Bridge reopened after structural concerns addressed

The Elizabeth Bridge has been reopened about a day after it was closed due to structural concerns.

PennDOT closed the bridge, on Route 51 between Elizabeth and West Elizabeth, Thursday afternoon due to a failed temporary structural support bracket being utilized for hanger cable replacements.

Crews and consulting engineers worked to design and install a secondary hanger system in the problem area.

Officials inspected and conducted multiple tests on the bridge, and decided to reopen it around 6 p.m. Friday.

“I want to thank motorists for their patience during the bridge closure,” said Cheryl Moon-Sirianni, PennDOT District 11 district executive for engineering. “As the public’s well-being is our highest priority, the department believed the best course of action was to close the bridge until we were completely confident that traffic could safely use the structure.”