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Route 130 Pedestrian Bridges: Concept Development Study
Home > Community Development > Project Development > Concept Development Projects > Route 130, Pedestrian Bridges: Concept Development Study
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is conducting a Concept Development Study for three pedestrian bridges spanning US Route 130 in Pennsauken Township, Camden County located at:
- Garfield Avenue (MP 31.58)
- Federal Street (MP 31.94)
- Merchantville Avenue (MP 32.65)
Project Purpose
Extend the lifespan of these bridges, address any structural deficiencies, and improve both pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Project Delivery Process
NJDOT has implemented a Project Delivery Process that complies with both federal and state regulations. This process encompasses the entire lifecycle of a project, from initiation to construction. Currently, this study is in the Concept Development Phase.
The three structures being studied are all over 50 years old and need repair.
Throughout the study, NJDOT will:
- Assess the condition of each structure,
- Evaluate solutions, and
- Select the best course of action to meet the project purpose and need.
The Garfield Avenue pedestrian bridge spans Route 130 at MP 31.58, and is surrounded by commercial establishments, residences, and an NJ TRANSIT bus stop on the southbound side. Nearby access points to Route 130 include Garfield Avenue, South Crescent Boulevard driveway, and Baker Avenue. The area sees active pedestrian and cyclist use, with a daily average of 46 pedestrians and 15 cyclists crossing the bridge, peaking at 58 pedestrians on a Sunday. Additionally, some pedestrians have been seen crossing at grade at nearby Drexel Avenue and Terrace Avenue intersections.
The Federal Street pedestrian bridge crosses Route 130 at MP 31.94, connecting commercial and residential areas via access points at South Crescent Boulevard, Federal Street, and 41st Street. An NJ TRANSIT bus stop with a covered shelter is located 50 feet north at Maple Avenue on the northbound side. The study found a daily average of 37 pedestrians and 9 cyclists using the bridge, with a peak of 52 pedestrians on a Tuesday.
The Merchantville Avenue pedestrian bridge crosses Route 130 at MP 32.65, is surrounded by various commercial establishments, and provides access to Route 130 at Merchantville and Irving Avenue. With NJ TRANSIT bus stops located on both sides of Route 130 at Merchantville Road—where the southbound stop offers a shelter, but the northbound does not—this bridge is the study’s most-used, with an average of 124 pedestrians crossing daily.
The Garfield Avenue bridge serves pedestrians and cyclists accessing nearby commercial businesses, residences, and a NJ TRANSIT stop.
The Federal Street bridge connects commercial and residential areas with access from South Crescent Boulevard, Federal Street, and 41st Street.
The Merchantville Avenue bridge is the most-used in the study area, connecting two NJ TRANSIT stops and various commercial businesses.
Project Milestones
How We’re Engaging
Public participation is essential for the success of NJDOT’s transportation programs and projects. The organization is dedicated to including the community’s voices in transportation decision-making. Here are the outreach efforts that will allow community members to help shape this project.
| Event | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Community Survey | Closed | The public input has been collected and will be analyzed by the project team. |
| Local Officials Briefing | 2/13/26 | Discussion held between project team (NJDOT staff and consultants) with county personnel and local police to introduce the project and verify initial data collection. |
| Public Information Center | Date TBD | Public meeting to discuss potential solutions and gather public comment. |
An online survey was conducted to collect feedback on the public’s interaction with these structures and the community’s priorities (now closed).
If you didn’t get a chance to participate in the survey, you can still share your thoughts by utilizing the comment section found under the “Contact Us” section on this page.
Federal Street is a super important bridge for grocery access
“ Federal Street is a super important bridge for grocery access to get to work on either side of 130. Lighting needs to be improved, especially at night.”
Pedestrian bridge user near Federal Street Bridge
Seniors often need to cross Route 130 for errands and shopping needs
“Seniors often need to cross Route 130 for errands and shopping needs, which requires the long walk and stairs…better access would help them.”
Staff at Lutheran Senior Center
The Garfield Ave bridge is in constant use
“The Garfield Ave bridge is in constant use by our seniors when they go shopping at the nearest grocery store etc. The pedestrian bridges are vital to the community to allow our residents to obtain necessities.”
Staff at Camden & Lutheran Senior Residence of Pennsauken
Many older residents use the bridge even though it is difficult for them.
“Many older residents use the bridge even though it is difficult for them.”
Staff at Preferred Home Care Agency
I never use the pedestrian bridge because there are too many steps to reach the top
“I never use the pedestrian bridge because there are too many steps to reach the top.”