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Mantua Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project

Posted on July 2, 2026 by - Uncategorized

Overview

The Mantua Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project will replace the existing bridge carrying Mantua Boulevard (County Route 676) over the Conrail rail line in Mantua Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The project includes demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new bridge designed to meet current safety and roadway standards while supporting future transportation needs in the corridor.

The existing bridge was built in 1937 and has reached the point where replacement is the most effective long-term solution. The new bridge will provide a safer and more reliable crossing for motorists, pedestrians, emergency responders, and the surrounding community.

Timeline

Project Benefits

The new bridge will provide a number of benefits to Mantua Township residents, businesses, and travelers:

Improved Safety

The replacement bridge will be designed to current engineering standards and will include improved roadway geometry, wider shoulders, and pedestrian accommodations.

Better Access for Pedestrians

The new bridge will include sidewalks that improve accessibility and create a safer crossing for people walking through the area.

Enhanced Reliability

Replacing the aging structure will reduce future maintenance needs and provide a more dependable transportation connection for years to come.

Support for Future Transportation Improvements

The project will help accommodate planned rail infrastructure improvements in the corridor while maintaining an important roadway connection for the community.

Maintaining an Important Local Connection

Mantua Boulevard serves as a key route for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and regional travelers. The bridge replacement will help preserve this important connection into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the bridge replacement part of the Glassboro-Camden Line project?

The bridge replacement is a separate infrastructure project that complements long-term transportation improvements planned within the corridor. The project is being advanced because the bridge requires replacement and does not meet current standards.

Why can’t the existing bridge simply be repaired?

The bridge was constructed in 1937 and does not meet current design standards. Replacing the structure provides a longer-term solution that improves safety, reliability, and functionality.

What improvements will the new bridge include?

The new bridge is expected to include:

  • Wider travel lanes
  • Roadway shoulders
  • Pedestrian sidewalks
  • Modern bridge and roadway design features

These improvements will help create a safer crossing for all users.

Will the project affect local traffic?

The project team will take all necessary steps to minimize traffic impacts to the local community. As the project advances through design and construction planning, additional information regarding traffic management and construction staging will be shared as it becomes available. Road work updates will be posted on Gloucester County’s webpage here: https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/561/Road-Work-Updates

Will pedestrians still be able to cross the bridge?

The replacement bridge is planned to include pedestrian accommodations that improve safety and accessibility compared to existing conditions.

Who owns the bridge?

At the end of construction, Gloucester County will own the bridge.

Who is paying for the bridge?

The bridge will be funded through the $200 million allocated by SJTA for the GCL project.

How does this project benefit the community?

The project will:

  • Improve public safety
  • Replace an aging structure
  • Improve pedestrian accommodations
  • Increase long-term reliability
  • Support future transportation improvements in the corridor

How can I stay informed?

Project information, updates, and future public outreach opportunities will be posted on the Glassboro-Camden Line website as they become available.

Safety

Posted on June 10, 2026 by - Uncategorized

Safety is a top priority for the Glassboro–Camden Line (GCL). This project is designed to incorporate modern safety features that protect passengers, pedestrians, and drivers at rail crossings and along the corridor. These measures build on proven technologies and public education efforts to help reduce risk and improve awareness.

Rail Crossing Safety Features

The GCL will include advanced safety treatments at crossings to help prevent incidents, improve visibility, and support the establishment of quiet zones along the corridor. Quiet zones are areas where train horns are not routinely sounded because enhanced safety measures are in place at crossings.

  • Four-Quadrant Gates
    Crossings will be equipped with four-quadrant gate systems, which block both directions of traffic when a train approaches. These systems are a key component in qualifying for quiet zones by reducing the risk of vehicles going around lowered gates.
  • Signage
    Clear signage will be installed at stations and crossings to help drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists navigate the corridor safely. Signs will provide guidance on where to cross, alert users to approaching trains, and reinforce safe behaviors at crossings, supporting the overall safety strategy within quiet zone areas.
  • Lighting
    Enhanced lighting will be provided at stations to improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, particularly during nighttime and low-light conditions.

To learn more about how quiet zones work and where they may be implemented along the corridor, visit our Quiet Zones page.

Public Safety Coordination

The GCL project is being developed in coordination with public safety agencies to support emergency access and response planning.

  • Coordination with local police, fire, and emergency services
  • Integration of safety features into station and corridor design
  • Ongoing communication during design and construction

For more information on NJ TRANSIT’s transit safety and operations, visit: https://www.njtransit.com/safety

Safety Education

Public awareness is a critical component of rail safety. The GCL will support efforts to educate the community on how to safely interact with the rail system.

  • Operation Lifesaver
    Operation Lifesaver is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety education. Their programs help communities understand how to stay safe near tracks and trains.

Learn more about Operation Lifesaver and rail safety education here: https://oli.org

Working Together for Safety
Safety is a shared responsibility. Through thoughtful design, coordination with public safety agencies, and community education, the GCL aims to create a safe environment for everyone who lives, works, and travels along the corridor.

Navigating Quiet Zones on the GCL

Posted on September 24, 2024 by - Featured, News Releases

Did you know that under the Train Horn Rule of 2006, federal regulations require locomotive horns to be sounded for 15 to 20 seconds and not more than one-quarter mile in advance of entering public grade crossings? It’s true!

What is a quiet zone?

While the Train Horn Rule established the requirement for sounding of locomotive horns, another federal procedure implemented quiet zones. Localities that meet certain safety requirements can apply for a “Quiet Zone” segment of a rail line that has multiple crossings on a public roadway. Upon meeting technical requirements, locomotive horns will not be routinely sounded within a quiet zone. 

How are quiet zones achieved?

Neighborhoods that want to establish a quiet zone are first required to address the heightened safety concerns resulting from the discontinuance of horn usage. Examples of these measures include:

  • Four-quadrant gates
  • Raised medians
  • One-way crossings
  • Crossing closure
What is a four-quadrant gate?

Safety is a top priority for the GCL. Four-quadrant gates will protect pedestrians and vehicle passengers. They block the road leading away from railroad tracks in both directions during a train crossing. Sidewalk crossings are barred with gates too. Why is this significant? It prevents people and cars from illegally trying to bypass the train tracks when an approaching train is coming from the distance.

Quiet Zones on the GCL

The GCL Project Team is committed to the design and future investment of the installation and maintenance of all Quiet Zone infrastructure along the GCL alignment. All grade crossings are being designed to accommodate quiet zone crossings through the installation of four-quadrant gates or the utilization of raised medians.

The communities along the corridor will benefit from Quiet Zones by achieving enhanced safety standards while reducing the need for train operators to sound horns in advance of the crossings.

The GCL Project Team is working with NJDOT and FRA to confirm the Quiet Zone designation process and related logistics. More information and details on the Quiet Zone will be addressed during PED and DBOM phases.

Example Quiet Zone Crossing with Safety Features

The video below shows a crossing in Anaheim, California, equipped with similar features planned for the GCL project. While the GCL will utilize shorter trains and faster gate operation for smoother traffic flow, the core safety principles remain the same.

Quiet Zone Process Timeline

Party Involvement Key

Step 1: Confirm Quiet Zone Eligibility and Limits

Lead: GCL Team

The proposed Quiet Zones are defined and it is confirmed that all public crossings will be equipped with FRA‑approved Supplementary Safety Measures (SSMs), allowing public authority designation.

This includes:

  • Identifying Quiet Zone limits and participating municipalities
  • Confirming all public crossings qualify for SSM‑based designation
  • Grouping adjacent crossings under a single Quiet Zone where appropriate
Step 2: Design and Implement SSMs

Lead: GCL Team and Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) Contractor

Engineering design and construction are completed for all SSMs required at public crossings within the proposed Quiet Zone.

This includes:

Step 3: Install Required Quiet Zone Signage

Lead: GCL Team

All FRA‑required Quiet Zone signage is installed at each public crossing in accordance with federal regulations.

This includes:

  • Installing signage per 49 CFR 222
  • Verifying signage placement and visibility at each public crossing
Step 4: Update the National Grade Crossing Inventory

Lead: GCL Team

The USDOT National Grade Crossing Inventory is updated to reflect current conditions at all public and private crossings within the Quiet Zone.

This includes:

  • Updating inventory records for public and private crossings
  • Documenting installed SSMs and operational characteristics
Step 5: Quiet Zone MOU Coordination

Lead: GCL Team

Memorandum of Understanding to be developed for each Quiet Zone.

Step 6: Notify Required Parties and Establish the Quiet Zone

Lead: GCL Team

The FRA is notified and other required parties of Quiet Zone establishment, after which the Quiet Zone becomes effective if no objections are raised.

This includes:

  • Issuing notification per 49 CFR 222 to FRA, NJDOT, railroads, emergency responders, and adjacent jurisdictions
  • Publishing and distributing the Notice of Establishment
  • Quiet Zone becoming effective automatically following the review period
  • Submitting updated inventory information to FRA every 4.5–5 years to maintain designation

Clarifying Notes

A Quiet Zone limits routine horn use at grade crossings only; it is not a silent zone. Locomotive horns and bells are required at stations, in rail yards, when approaching workers or equipment, when passing standing trains, or in emergency situations.

Surveying in the Field: April 2024

Posted on May 7, 2024 by - Featured, News Releases

Robinson Aerial Surveys and Colliers Engineering & Design (RAS/Colliers) are collaborating on a field survey project in Camden and Gloucester Counties. This initiative aims to precisely map the existing railroad right-of-way for the future Glassboro-Camden Line construction.

What We’re Doing

The crews will be carefully examining the right-of-way, recovering essential evidence such as monuments, bridges, structures, markers, and other identifiable points. This meticulous process allows for highly accurate plotting of the railroad boundaries.

What to Expect

Safety First:

  • All RAS/Colliers personnel have completed the mandatory CONRAIL Safety Training, ensuring their safety while working near the rail corridor.
  • Flaggers will be present to guide crews and maintain safety protocol.

Visible Crew Presence:

  • Crews will be readily identifiable in marked company vehicles (vans or pick-up trucks) displaying the RAS/Colliers name, logo, and contact details.
  • This work will not disrupt local traffic flow.

Survey Techniques:

  • Primarily, one- or two-person teams will utilize high-precision GPS receivers to pinpoint survey monuments and physical features in three dimensions. This method helps us accurately define the railroad property lines.

Minimal Fieldwork Impact:

  • Upon completion, the only trace of their presence might be occasional survey ribbon markers left behind for future reference, should the need arise to relocate specific features.

Project Transparency

RAS/Colliers is committed to keeping the community informed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as these crews in the field continue working towards the next steps and advancement of the Glassboro-Camden Line project.

Photo gallery below:

Unpacking a DBOM Contract: A User-Friendly Guide

Posted on April 16, 2024 by - Featured

GCL will be delivered using a Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) contract. This approach streamlines the project by combining design, construction, and ongoing maintenance under a single contractor. As we prepare for the next phase of the project, this page will help explain how a DBOM works.

How a DBOM Contract Works

Imagine you need a brand-new public park and want to see it constructed and opened as soon as possible. A DBOM contract is like hiring a one-stop shop to handle everything. Here’s how it works:

  • All in One: A single representative/entity assigned to take care of the entire project life cycle. They design, build, operate (run) the park, and maintain the project.
  • Think “Turnkey” Project: The representative/entity is responsible for delivering the finished park, ready for you to use, just like buying something “turnkey” – everything is included.

A breakdown of a DBOM example

1. Design: The representative/entity’s designer prepares engineering plans for the park, based on the owner’s needs and budget.

2. Build: The representative/entity manages construction, ensuring everything meets safety and quality standards.

3. Operate: Once built, the representative/entity runs the park, making sure it’s open, clean, and functioning properly.

4. Maintain: The representative/entity keeps the park in good shape through regular upkeep and repairs.

DBOM Benefits

  • Faster Completion: Having one DBOM representative/entity, that can handle everything, can streamline the process and lead to a quicker finished product.
  • Expertise: The representative/entity brings design, construction, and maintenance knowledge to the table.
  • Risk Transfer: The representative/entity takes on some of the risk for cost overruns or delays during construction so that it can manage them more efficiently than the owner.

Final Thoughts

  • Proposer Selection: Choosing a qualified and experienced Design-Build-Operate-Maintain team is crucial for a successful project. Curious to learn more about the DBOM model? Read more on the FHWA website.

GCL Trains

Posted on March 6, 2024 by - Featured

The GCL trains will revolutionize how commuters and travelers experience South Jersey. With comfort, safety, and ease of travel as top priorities, the GCL empowers you to choose how you spend your journey. Catch up on work, binge-watch your favorite show, or lose yourself in a captivating book – the possibilities are endless aboard the GCL trains.

Subsurface Exploration Program on the Road (Borings): What to Expect

Posted on February 29, 2024 by - Featured, In the News

In both the Camden and Gloucester County communities, Summit Drilling Company is on-site at different locations to take soil samples, using either a truck or track-mounted drill rigs. This work is being done to evaluate the ground conditions for the future construction of the Glassboro-Camden Line. While this work (borings) can cause temporary disruptions, understanding the process can ease concerns and help you navigate the situation safely.

Here’s what you can expect to see:

Preparation:

  • All required permits for this work will be in place, from agencies having jurisdiction.
  • The area is marked with cones, signs, and barriers to create a safe work zone, and traffic is rerouted around the work zone.
  • Crews are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as reflective vests and hard hats.
  • Expect some noise and dust during this initial phase.

The Drilling:

  • Drilling can generate noise, vibrations, and dust. In some areas, traffic flow might be reduced or diverted to minimize disruptions.
  • Crews will take necessary precautions to manage dust, debris, and ensure safety for workers and pedestrians. All debris will be confined within the work zone.
  • Work will be typically performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
  • Typically, each boring will require 1 to 3 days, depending upon the depth of the boring.

Restoration:

  • Once drilling is complete, the crew will backfill and restore the disturbed area back to a similar original condition.
  • Be aware of potential uneven surfaces or changes in road markings during the restoration phase.
  • Subsurface exploration work (borings) are due to be completed by June 2024.

Safety Tips:

  • Always obey traffic signs and directions from flaggers or law enforcement personnel.
  • Reduce your speed and maintain extra caution when driving adjacent to the work zones.
  • Be mindful of construction workers and their equipment.
  • If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact the project authorities or local transportation department.

By staying informed and practicing caution, you can navigate these situations smoothly and safely.

Efficient Travel Solutions: Glassboro-Camden Line’s Future Platform Designs

Posted on August 23, 2023 by - Current News, Featured

The Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL) will revolutionize the South Jersey commuter experience as it restores passenger-rail service along an existing rail line. The GCL Project Team is committed to providing accessible rail service for all. In doing so, the GCL will have user-friendly stations located approximately every one-to-two miles along the line with two types of platforms: center and side platform.

Center platforms are designed with tracks on both sides, allowing trains to move simultaneously in opposite directions. Commuters will experience unparalleled ease with inbound and outbound trains efficiently stopping on opposite sides of the platform. This setup permits effortless transfers between sides, ensuring that passengers can change directions without the need to leave the platform.

Side platforms will feature tracks positioned between the platforms. Trains will move in opposite directions between the platforms, offering an alternative configuration to accommodate varying station layouts and space constraints. Side platforms present an effective solution in scenarios where space and track layouts need different arrangements.

“Many factors influence the type of platform a station will have,” stated Delaware River Port Authority Chief Engineer, Mike Venuto. “Throughout the preliminary engineering design phase, our team is meticulously exploring the complexities of these factors, including space availability, track layouts, and projected volume of commuters. Our primary goal is to optimize the station design to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.”

In alignment with the GCL’s commitment to inclusivity, all stations will be ADA-accessible, ensuring that every passenger can experience the convenience and comfort of rail travel. The GCL Project Team is dedicated to making the journey smooth and enjoyable for all.

For more information and updates on the GCL project, please visit www.glassborocamdenline.com/

Glassboro-Camden Line Project: Paving the Way for a Better Future with Public Transportation

Posted on August 23, 2023 by - Current News, Featured

According to the American Public Transportation Association, every segment of society benefits from public transportation. The Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL), a proposed 18-mile passenger rail line between Glassboro and Camden, will revolutionize public transportation in South Jersey. The GCL will bring a myriad of benefits to the local community, and beyond, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, environmental preservation, and creating a more connected society.

Economic Benefits

Recent studies have shown that investing in public transportation brings substantial economic returns.  The GCL will build a stronger, more resilient economy while enhancing the quality of life in the communities it connects.

  • Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in economic returns.
  • Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
  • Every $1 billion in federal highway and transit investment supports 13,000 jobs for one year.
  • Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
  • Home values in areas located near high-frequency public transit performed 42% better than other areas.

Environmental Benefits

The GCL maximizes existing transportation assets while minimizing impacts to the environment. The GCL encourages a modal shift from auto to transit, which reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions while also encouraging sustainable travel options. Key environmental benefits include:

  • 1 GCL train will accommodate 300 passengers who otherwise might be driving alone.
  • Public transportation’s overall effects save the United States 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
  • 1 in 4 households located near transit does not own a vehicle.
  • Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually.

Societal Benefits

The GCL offers reliable, convenient, and affordable passenger rail service that will connect people to opportunities throughout Camden and Gloucester counties. The GCL will create easy access to cultural, recreational, educational, economic, and medical resources on both sides of the Delaware River. Significant societal benefits include:

  • Offers mobility options to individuals without access to a vehicle.
  • GCL stations are located in existing communities with several walk-up stations.
  • Statistically, train-related accidents happen at a lesser rate and with much lower passenger fatality rates than car travel does.
  • Provides riders with convenient access to work, school, shopping, doctors, entertainment, and each other by removing barriers to access.
  • Read a book, prep for a meeting, study, or stare out the window and enjoy the ride; avoid the stresses of driving and regain your time.

For more information and updates on the GCL project, please visit www.glassborocamdenline.com/