Bridging Success: Award-Winning Innovations on the Garden State Parkway

Did you know that New Jersey's population has grown to more than 9.5 million , making it the fastest-growing state in the U.S. Northeast? With that growth comes increased traffic, especially on the Garden State Parkway, which sees thousands of vehicles every day. The Garden State Parkway Bridge Replacement Project tackled this challenge head-on, enhancing critical infrastructure and improving travel for residents and visitors alike. 

This extensive and complex project involved replacing several Garden State Parkway (GSP) bridge superstructures in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The project required comprehensive maintenance and protection of traffic, phased construction and carefully planned detours to minimize impacts on motorists.

As the prime consultant, Jacobs supervised construction services for the bridge replacement activities. We provided resident engineering and bridge and road inspections based on the contractor's work schedule, which included multiple shifts and weekend work. Our team fully supported the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) in all aspects of project administration.

Many of the bridges connect to popular beaches and local communities, so minimizing disruptions was key. The project’s success was driven by early planning and strong coordination between the designer, NJTA, Jacobs and other contractors. This collaboration kept stakeholders and the public informed about construction activities and milestones. The project finished on time, opening two weeks before Memorial Day in 2024—ensuring beach access and supporting local businesses ahead of peak season. 

“The urgent bridge repairs under this project necessitated a comprehensive approach to coordinate construction on a heavily traveled parkway, while keeping traffic moving through numerous construction stages,” says Jacobs Vice President and Director of Operations – U.S. Northeast Transportation Caitlin Johnson. “Jacobs built a partnership with NJTA to successfully meet these critical goals. As a result, the bridge reconstruction increased driver safety, delivered a smoother riding experience for the traveling public, improved roadway lighting, reduced emergency response times and congestion, and enhanced traffic levels of service and quality of life in the neighboring communities.”

In recognition of these achievements, the Garden State Parkway Bridge Replacement Project was recently honored with an American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Recognition Award. ACEC’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving and engineering’s unique ability to improve our world.

The Garden State Parkway Bridge Replacement Project specifically earned the National Recognition Award for its uniqueness, innovative applications of technologies, communication, contributions to the engineering profession, social, economic, and sustainable development considerations, challenges and complexities and approach to meeting client goals.

“The recognition from ACEC underscores the numerous benefits to New Jersey travelers and Garden Parkway communities, including reduced emissions and pollution and improved access,” says Jacobs Project Manager Michael Stevens. “It also highlights the advantages of integrated project management, technical innovation, and teamwork demonstrated by Jacobs and NJTA through this now award-winning project.”