MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Starting Monday, Oct. 6, Monmouth County will begin replacement of the Rt. 54 (Phalanx Road) bridge that runs over the Swimming River Reservoir.

The bridge replacement will last for the next two years, the county said on Friday. However, Phalanx Road will remain open throughout construction. The bridge will be reduced to one lane for the next two years. However, in late summer/early fall of 2026, the bridge will be closed for approximately 90 days and there will be a posted detour. The detour route will use County Route 520 (Newman Springs Road), County Route 50 (Swimming River Road), County Route 537 (Colts Neck Road) and Laird Road.