Burlington County Bridge Used by Thousands of South Jersey Drivers Shuts Down for Major Year-Long Replacement Project
Drivers in Burlington County are beginning to face major traffic changes as a heavily traveled bridge connecting Cinnaminson and Maple Shade officially closes for a long-term reconstruction project expected to last until late April 2027.
The Forklanding Road Bridge over Pennsauken Creek, which carries more than 3,500 vehicles every day, has now been shut down as Burlington County moves forward with plans to replace the aging structure. County officials say the closure is necessary because the bridge’s condition has worsened over time and key structural components can no longer be repaired safely.
According to the Burlington County Engineer’s Office, the bridge was originally built in 1906 and later rehabilitated in 1988. Despite previous upgrades, the 118-year-old structure is now considered structurally deficient and has been operating under a 5-ton weight restriction. Engineers determined that deterioration of the bridge’s main elements had advanced beyond practical repair, leading county officials to move ahead with a full replacement instead of another rehabilitation effort.
The closure is expected to significantly affect commuters and local residents who regularly travel between Cinnaminson and Maple Shade. During construction, drivers will be redirected through a detour route using Lenola Road, Route 130, and Route 73. While local traffic will still be allowed near the construction zone, vehicles will not be able to cross the bridge itself until the project is completed.
County officials say the reconstruction plan includes replacing the old steel pony truss bridge with a new prefabricated single-span truss bridge. The updated structure will be supported by concrete-capped pilings and reinforced with steel sheeting for added durability and long-term protection.
Even after reconstruction is finished, the bridge will remain a single-lane crossing. Traffic traveling in both directions will continue to share the bridge using alternating traffic signals installed on each side. Officials believe this design will improve safety while preserving the existing roadway configuration in the area.
The project will begin with temporary utility relocation work before major construction activity starts in July. Burlington County is also using state grant funding to help offset part of the construction costs associated with the replacement effort.
Transportation officials are encouraging drivers to prepare for delays and allow additional travel time, especially during peak commuting hours. With the bridge serving thousands of vehicles daily, nearby roadways are expected to experience heavier traffic throughout the construction period.
The closure marks one of the most significant local transportation projects currently underway in Burlington County, as officials work to replace aging infrastructure and improve long-term safety for motorists in South Jersey.
Sources:
Burlington County Engineer’s Office
New Jersey Department of Transportation