FAQs – Sixth Avenue Bridge Local Preliminary Engineering Phase

Why does the bridge need to be replaced?

The Sixth Avenue Bridge was originally constructed circa 1900 and replaced in 1987 with temporary Acrow panel trusses with an open steel grid deck. The current structure is classified as fracture critical due to the non-redundant continuous steel Acrow panel trusses. Additionally, the temporary Acrow panel trusses have been in place for over 35 years, which is beyond the typical duration for a temporary bridge structure.

Age, deterioration, and increased traffic volume are reasons why this bridge no longer operates well and is in need of replacement.

What is the existing condition of the bridge?

The latest Bridge Re-Evaluation Survey Report in 2023 notes the bridge structure is functionally obsolete due to inadequate deck geometry. The report concluded that the bridge is currently in fair condition with an overall sufficiency rating of 56.3 out of 100. The rating is indicative of the bridge’s sufficiency to remain in service and is a percentage in which 100 percent represents an entirely sufficient bridge structure and zero percent represents an entirely insufficient or deficient bridge structure. The deck is in good condition (7 out of 10) with areas of moderate to heavy collision damage to the guide rail on the approach roadway. The superstructure is in fair condition (5 out of 10) due to the light rust throughout the upper and lower chords of the truss. The substructure is in fair condition (5 out of 10) due to deteriorated pointing with areas of missing masonry stones and mortar on the abutments, piers and wingwall. At the foundations of the structure, the Stage II In-Depth Scour Evaluation estimated the bridge to be scour critical.

What is the Local Preliminary Engineering (LPE) Phase?

The LPE phase involves performing engineering and environmental tasks and documentation in order to obtain National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance for the project. At the end of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study phase, the recommended Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was for a bridge replacement and the project was advanced to the LPE phase. Based on the PPA, a number of activities are simultaneously set in motion: design level mapping, engineering studies, agency consultation, environmental documentation and community involvement (meetings with local officials, affected property owners, business owners and other community stakeholders). To inform and to encourage community input, a community stakeholders meeting and a public information center meeting will be conducted during this LPE phase.

The tasks conducted during the LPE Phase consist of, but are not limited to:

Development of design level base plans and structural studies to document the selection process and recommended structure and aesthetic elements
Geotechnical studies (soil boring and analysis) for foundation and pavement design
Utility discovery and verification
Preliminary drainage work
Access impact evaluation
Development of property acquisition cost estimates and project cost estimates
Technical environmental studies (including Section 106 and Section 4(f) Evaluation)
NEPA Document (Categorical Exclusion)

What is the schedule for the Sixth Avenue Bridge LPE phase?

The anticipated project schedule (major milestones) for the LPE phase is as follows:

Approved Environmental Documentation	Spring 2026
Approved Local Preliminary Engineering Report & Completion of LPE Phase	Spring 2026

The anticipated schedule for Community Involvement meetings is as follows:

Local Officials Meeting No. 1

Local Officials Meeting No. 2

Spring 2025

Winter 2026

Community Stakeholders Meeting

Spring 2025

Public Information Center Meeting

Winter 2026

When is construction going to start?

There are two more phases in the Local Project Delivery Process after completion of the LPE phase: Final Design and Construction phases.

The Final Design phase duration is an estimated two years and is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.
Upon completion of the Final Design phase, the Construction phase is anticipated to begin in the 2028-2029 timeframe.

The average construction duration of a fixed bridge replacement is an estimated two years, however the actual timeframe would be dependent on the final design plans and required permits that may impact when certain activities could be implemented.

What kind of a bridge is the existing Sixth Avenue Bridge?

The existing Sixth Avenue Bridge is a four-span continuous steel Acrow panel truss bridge, as follows:

Bridge spans the Passaic River connecting the City of Paterson, Borough of Prospect Park and Borough of Hawthorne.
Year Built: Originally constructed in 1900; temporary Acrow panel trusses constructed in 1987.
Bridge type: four span continuous steel Acrow panel truss bridge
- Overall length: 300 feet
- Bridge roadway width: 24.9 feet

How will the project benefit motorists?

As part of the bridge replacement, the approach roadways and intersection of 6^th Avenue and Goffle Road/East Main Street will be improved to current design standards. Roadway enhancements include improvements to the current roadside protection, traffic signal, lighting, and roadway geometry.

Improvements such as modern bridge railing, lighting, and guide rail will be added along the structure and approaches. At the intersection, the existing traffic signal will be upgraded in accordance with latest standards and the eastern portion of the intersection will be widened to accommodate turning trucks. The travel way will be increased to 15-ft including, 12-ft travel lanes with 3-ft shoulders in each direction, better aligning with the existing approach roadways. It is anticipated that these upgrades will improve safety, visibility, & traffic flow for motorists.

How will the project benefit pedestrians and bicyclists?

During the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study, the project team asked for input from the local officials and community stakeholders to understand what pedestrian and bicycle mobility and access was needed. The project Purpose and Need Statement noted improvements for all modes of transportation to be taken into consideration regarding the bridge replacement, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit, vehicles, and any possible marine use on the Passaic River.

The Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) advanced to the LPE design phase includes accommodation for pedestrians and cyclists. The PPA recommends sidewalks and shoulders on both sides of the bridge to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and safety.

Have the project's improvements been decided?

Yes, the recommended Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) developed during the LCD Study is for a complete bridge replacement. Please see the map and written description for the bridge replacement improvements located in the Maps and Plans subsection under Resources on the main menu or click here.

How much will it cost and who will pay for it?

The cost of implementing the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) was estimated as part of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study using federal dollars. The LPE Phase and future phases will qualify to be funded with federal dollars provided the design and construction plans meet the federal requirements.

How will the project affect the environment?

As part of the Local Concept Development (LCD) Study, an environmental screening was performed. The environmental screening identified the issues, concerns, and potential impacts related to the social, economic, and environmental resources. The screening includes a review of the potential impacts to air/noise receptors, ecological constraints, cultural resources, publicly owned parks and recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, hazardous materials (known contaminated sites), and socioeconomics.

As the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) advances in the LPE phase, further technical environmental studies for cultural resources, socioeconomics, hazardous waste, and ecology, are being conducted in accordance with State and Federal regulations. These studies will support the completion of the NEPA environmental document.

Why get involved?

The project team is very interested in knowing how the local community uses the bridge, any current approach roadway concerns, and welcomes input regarding the proposed bridge replacement improvements. Community Outreach during the LCD Study was an important part of the transportation improvement process and public outreach will continue during the LPE phase and future phases of the project.

Why attend the public meetings?

Attendance at public meetings is the best way to stay informed and to ensure a successful project that meets the community’s needs and interests. By attending the meetings, you can provide input and discuss any questions you may have with the project team members.

If you are unable to attend meetings, the project website will post meeting summary reports and presentation slides as well as other project information. If you have any questions, you may contact the County and the Project Team directly by using the project website Contact Us – Form Submission or by submitting comments via the project email address: contactus@sixthavenuebridge.com

How can I stay informed or offer suggestions?

Passaic County and the cooperating agencies of NJDOT and NJTPA encourage transportation improvements that best balance transportation needs, the environment, community interests and cost. As part of the Community Outreach effort, there will be outreach meetings held to share project information and obtain input.

Please:

Check this Website regularly for updated information
Attend the Community Stakeholders Meeting and the Public Information Center Meeting
Complete the General Comment Form here

What if I have other questions or concerns about the project?

Passaic County, and the cooperating agencies of NJDOT and NJTPA, encourages community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions to the Project Team. To ask questions or provide input, please use the Contact Us – Form Submission or contact: