Misplaced Pages

#614385

58-444: Washington Crossing Bridge is a six-span double Warren truss structure measuring 877 feet (267 m) in length. Its riveted-steel grid deck provides a roadway width of 15 feet (4.6 m). The roadway is made of a grate.The bridge's substructures, composed of rubble stone-faced masonry, are from the original 1831 bridge, while its superstructure dates to 1904. Five piers (one of which has been faced with mortar) and two abutments support

116-585: A New Jersey Supreme Court decision in 1972, the state's legislative districts were reapportioned into the current arrangement . Two more modern developments have also helped shape the Legislature: the increase in the importance of legislative committees and the development of longer tenures for the legislative leadership. In 2022, the legislature passed the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council Act, which established

174-593: A bicameral legislature consisting of a General Assembly with three members from each county and a legislative council with one member from each county. All state officials, including the governor , were to be appointed by the Legislature under this constitution. The Vice-President of Council would succeed the governor (who was the President of the Council) if a vacancy occurred in that office. Accordingly,

232-509: A referendum to become a part of the constitution. The Legislature is also empowered to ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution , appoint the State Auditor, judge the elections and qualifications of its members, and institute and conduct impeachment proceedings against State officials. The Senate has the sole authority to confirm or reject gubernatorial nominees for judicial and some executive positions. The current organization of

290-467: A 12-hour period. Flood peaks along the main section of the Delaware River were the highest since the flood of 1955. The bridge was temporarily closed. Unusually heavy rains experienced in late March 2005 and early April 2005 combined with melting snow resulted in another flood. One of the piers of Washington Crossing Bridge had its masonry core exposed after being battered by a floating object. In

348-564: A Senator, an individual must be 30 years old, must have lived in their district for two years and the state for four years, and again must live in the represented district. Unlike elections for most other state legislatures and for the United States Congress , New Jersey legislative elections are held in November of every odd-numbered year. Assembly members serve two-year terms, while Senators serve four-year terms, except in

406-464: A bill. A veto may be overridden by the Legislature if there is a two-thirds majority in favor of overriding in each House. By a three-fifths vote of each house, the Legislature may propose an amendment to the Constitution of New Jersey . Alternatively, it may propose an amendment by a majority vote two consecutive years. In either case, the amendment is placed on the ballot and must be approved in

464-589: A direct popular election of the governor, and gave him the power to veto bills passed by the legislature. The General Assembly was expanded to 60 members, elected annually, and apportioned to the counties based on population. The Legislative Council was renamed the Senate, and was to be composed of one member from each of the state's 19 counties, serving a three-year term. During the Civil War , party allegiance became entrenched. Democrats usually won both houses until

522-414: A man by the name of Theodore Scheetz. The purchase was completed by May 2, 1922. The DRJTBC bought the private toll bridge in 1922, the last toll was served on April 25, 1922, from a man by the name of Theodore Scheetz. In 1923, multiple deficiencies due to expected poor maintenance were discovered, because of this, new wood planks were installed on the bridge, stringers were replaced, the lighting system

580-668: A new constitution which ordered new elections; on August 13 an entirely new legislature was elected. In 1775, representatives from New Jersey's 13 counties established a Provincial Congress to supersede the Royal Governor . In June 1776, this congress had authorized the preparation of a constitution, which was written within five days, adopted by the Provincial Congress, and accepted by the Continental Congress . The Constitution of 1776 provided for

638-540: A potential candidate must be at least 21 years of age, and must have lived in their district for at least one year prior to the election, and have lived in the state of New Jersey for two years. They also must be residents of their districts. Membership in the Assembly is considered a part-time job, and many members have employment in addition to their legislative work. Assembly members serve two-year terms, elected every odd-numbered year in November. Four current members of

SECTION 10

#1732783909615

696-629: A weight limit of 3 tons, it is considered "operationally challenged" with frequent minor accidents. New Jersey Legislature The New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey . In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947 , the Legislature consists of two houses : the General Assembly and the Senate . The Legislature meets in

754-700: Is a bistate, public agency that maintains and operates river crossings connecting the U.S. states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey . The agency's jurisdiction stretches roughly 140 miles (230 km) along the Delaware River from Philadelphia and Bucks County in southeast Pennsylvania and then north through the Lehigh Valley and to Pennsylvania- New York state border. DRJTBC operates eight toll bridges and 12 toll-supported (free) bridges, two of which are pedestrian-only crossings, and 34 approach structures throughout its jurisdiction. Revenues from

812-524: Is constituted for a term of two years, split into two annual sessions. Because the Constitution also specifies that all business from the first year may be continued into the second year, the distinction between the two annual sessions is more ceremonial than actual. The two-year legislative term begins at noon on the second Tuesday in January of each even-numbered year. For example, the two-year term of

870-563: Is one of seven U.S. states (with Arizona , Idaho , Maryland , North Dakota , South Dakota , and Washington ) in which districts for the upper and lower house of the legislature are coterminous. Districts are redefined decennially by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission following each U.S. Census , as provided by Article IV, Section III of the State Constitution. The sitting Legislature

928-635: Is the 221st New Jersey Legislature . The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council . There are 40 legislative districts, representing districts with average populations of 232,225 (2020 figure). Each district has one senator and two members of the New Jersey General Assembly , the lower house of

986-501: The Governor of New Jersey in the event that the governor is unable to execute the duties of that office. The Speaker decides the schedule for the Assembly, which bills will be considered, appoints committee chairmen, and generally runs the Assembly's agenda. The current Speaker is Craig Coughlin ( D - Woodbridge Township ). Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission ( DRJTBC )

1044-628: The New Jersey State House , in the state capital of Trenton . The New Jersey Legislature was established in 1702 upon the surrender by the Proprietors of East Jersey and those of West Jersey of the right of government to Queen Anne . Anne's government united the two colonies as the Province of New Jersey , a royal colony , establishing a new system of government. The instructions from Queen Anne to Viscount Cornbury ,

1102-770: The New Jersey governor and confirmed by the New Jersey Senate for three-year terms. In Pennsylvania , five members are appointed by the Pennsylvania governor and serve at his pleasure. They meet monthly to review reports, provide oversight and set policies carried out by the executive director and professional staff. The commission charges a $ 3.00 cash auto toll ($ 1.50 for E-ZPass users) on its eight toll bridges, as of January 24, 2024. Discounts were available for frequent commuters equipped with E-ZPass, however this program ended on January 1, 2024. Until 2021,

1160-686: The Republicans gained control in 1893. A court ruling obtained by the Republicans provided that members of the General Assembly were to be elected from the counties at large, rather than from election districts of unequal population. Regardless of any changes, the legislature met infrequently, had high turnover among its members, and was far from being the most influential or powerful organ of state government. New Jersey adopted its current constitution in 1947. Under this constitution,

1218-407: The 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years, which was changed to four years with the 1947 Constitution. Since 1968 the Senate has consisted of 40 senators, who are elected in a "2-4-4" cycle. Senators serve a two-year term at the beginning of each decade, with the rest of the decade divided into two four-year terms. The "2-4-4" cycle was put into place so that Senate elections can reflect

SECTION 20

#1732783909615

1276-430: The 215th Legislative session began on noon on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. At the end of the second year, all unfinished business expires. Service in the Legislature is considered part-time, and most legislators have other employment. In New Jersey, legislators previously could also concurrently hold another elected office at the county or municipal level. The practice, which is frequently referred to as " double dipping ",

1334-587: The Assembly hold other elective office, as they are grandfathered in under a New Jersey law that banned multiple office holding in 2007. The Assembly is led by the Speaker of the Assembly, who is elected by the membership of the chamber. After the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey and the President of the New Jersey Senate , the Speaker of the Assembly is third in the line of succession to replace

1392-584: The Cities of Burlington and Perth Amboy , and ten at-large from each of the two divisions. As this system proved unwieldy for holding elections, in 1709 the Assembly was reapportioned; Burlington and Perth Amboy would retain their two seats each; the Town of Salem had two, and two for each of the nine counties . The number of members remained at 24, with a total of twelve from each division. In his instructions to Governor William Burnet , King George I recommended

1450-614: The DRJTBC charged the same rate for cash and E-ZPass users. Truck tolls range from $ 9 to $ 35, depending on axle type, time of travel and whether E-ZPass is used. Tolls are collected only from traffic crossing into Pennsylvania. As of June 2021, an all-electronic toll is charged on some of the bridges. The commission is a member of the Interagency Group, a regional collaborative of toll-collection agencies that offer E-ZPass electronic toll collection services. In November 2013,

1508-700: The Delaware River Joint toll Commission. This resulted in the bridge being renamed to the Washington Crossing Toll Supported Bridge. During the fall of 1994, the bridge underwent an extensive structural rehabilitation. As described by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission , many truss members were replaced with new fabricated galvanized steel. Floor system members and the open steel grid deck were replaced in

1566-471: The Delaware River experienced 3 to 6.5 inches (76 to 165 mm) of rain from June 23 to June 28. The river's peak levels were comparable to those of the April 2005 flood. Washington Crossing Bridge was closed until July 1, when it reopened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic at 10:15 a.m. In 2010, the bridge was closed for 46 days in late fall to undergo an extensive rehabilitation. This included replacing

1624-736: The Directors will be able to place the charges for toll at a very moderate rate.” On February 14, 1831, an act was passed by the New Jersey Legislature and concurred by the Pennsylvania General Assembly , creating the Taylorsville Delaware Bridge Company. By the act's provisions, a bridge was to be located at Taylor's Ferry , close to where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776. This timber bridge

1682-484: The Legislature is outlined by Article IV ("Legislative") of the New Jersey State Constitution of 1947. The Legislature is composed of an 80-member General Assembly and a 40-member Senate. To become a member of the Assembly, an individual must be at least 21 years old, must have resided in their district for one year and the state for two years, and must live in the represented district. To become

1740-492: The Legislature, and dissolve the Assembly and call new elections. On December 6, 1775, Governor William Franklin prorogued the New Jersey Legislature until January 3, 1776, but it never met again. On May 30, 1776, Franklin attempted to convene the legislature, but was met instead with an order by the New Jersey Provincial Congress for his arrest. On July 2, 1776, the Provincial Congress approved

1798-523: The New Jersey Youth Council, a youth advisory body to the New Jersey Legislature made up of 40 public members aged 15 to 23, each from one of the state's legislative districts. The council is set to meet for the first time in 2023 and submit an annual report to the legislature regarding its findings. The Legislature has the power to enact laws by a majority vote of both houses, subject to the Governor of New Jersey 's ability to veto

Washington Crossing Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

1856-544: The aftermath of the flood, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission requested $ 500,000 in emergency flood repairs. Although the bridge remained opened for a short time following the flooding, it was closed on April 7, 2005, when receding flood waters revealed the extent of the damage to the pier. The bridge was reopened to continuous traffic on May 4, 2005, although it was closed for nighttime repairs beginning May 18. In 2006,

1914-474: The bridge was damaged when an over height truck drove over the bridge. Emergency repairs were completed by that evening. In January 2024, the DRJTBC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant team which would start the process of environmental review, in preparation for possibly designing and constructing a replacement span. The current span was built in 1905 and with a road deck width of just 15 feet (4.6 m), lanes only 7.5 feet (2.3 m) wide and

1972-593: The bridge. Men from both sides of the river endeavored in the early 1830s to secure charters from the two states to form a company that then sold shares of stock to raise capital for constructing a bridge at the former McKonkey Ferry location.  Resulting legislation to establish the Taylorsville Delaware Bridge Company was enacted by New Jersey on February 14, 1831 and by Pennsylvania on April 1, 1831.  The legislative measures named Mahlon K. Taylor, Aaron Feaster and Enos Morris of Pennsylvania and Daniel Cooke, Esq., James B. Green, and Joseph Titus of New Jersey to sell

2030-514: The changes made to the district boundaries on the basis of the decennial United States Census . If the cycle were not put into place, then the boundaries would sometimes be four years out of date before being used for Senate elections. Rather, with the varied term, the boundaries are only two years out of date. Thus elections for Senate seats take place in years ending with a "1", "3", or "7" (i.e. next elections in 2023, 2027, and 2031). Interim appointments are made to fill vacant legislative seats by

2088-558: The commissions toll-supported bridges, known as tax-supported bridges until the 1984 agreement. The commission assumed full financial responsibility for their toll-free bridges. Later revisions also made it so that the DRJTBC could build the Interstate 78 Bridge over the Delaware River and operate it as a tolled crossing. A board of 10 unpaid commissioners govern the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, with five coming from each state. In New Jersey , members are nominated by

2146-399: The county committee or committees of the party of the vacating person (since a constitutional amendment passed on November 8, 1988). The office is on the ballot for the next general election, even if the other Senate seats are not up for election in that year (such as in years ending with a "5" or "9", such as 2009 or 2015). The sole exception to this is if the vacancy occurred within 51 days of

2204-426: The eight toll bridges subsidize the other bridges. Since 1987, the commission has not received any state or federal tax revenues and relies solely on toll collections for its financing. In 2019, more than 138 million cars and trucks used the DRJTBC's network of Delaware River bridge crossings. The DRJTBC was established under legislation enacted in the two states on December 18, 1934. The federal compact for what

2262-462: The election, in which case the appointment stands until the following general election. Since the election of 1967 (1968 Session), the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average populations of 232,225 (2020 figures), with deviation in each district not exceeding 3.21% above and below that average. To be eligible to run,

2320-653: The exception of resignations and those being removed for cause, councilors often served for life. The former provinces of East and West Jersey were reorganized as the Eastern Division and the Western Division, respectively, of the Province of New Jersey. Councilors were apportioned that six would come from each of the two divisions. In practice, however, this was not always followed. The Assembly initially consisted of 24 members with two each elected in

2378-455: The first royal governor of New Jersey, outlined a fusion of powers system, which allowed for an overlap of executive , legislative and judicial authority. It provided for a bicameral legislature consisting of an appointed Council and an elected General Assembly . The Provincial Council consisted of twelve members, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the British crown. With

Washington Crossing Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

2436-651: The first session of the legislature convened on August 27, 1776. Legislative politics was defined in the following years by an intense rivalry between the Federalists , and later the Whigs (which dominated South Jersey and Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex Counties), and the Democratic Party (which was prominent in the northwest, the Shore region, and Bergen County). The New Jersey Constitution of 1844 provided for

2494-493: The first term of a new decade, which only lasts two years. This "2-4-4" cycle was put into place so Senate elections can reflect changes made to district boundaries following the decennial United States Census . If this cycle were not in place, then the boundaries could at times be up to four years out of date before being used for Senate elections. Under the current system, the boundaries are only ever two years out of date. The New Jersey Constitution provides that each Legislature

2552-448: The first three bays of each end span. All remaining structural steel was blast cleaned, metallized, and painted. A new wooden sidewalk was installed and renovations were made at both approaches to the bridge. In July 2004, height bars were installed to prevent overweight vehicles from traveling onto the bridge. The remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused heavy rainfall on September 17 and 18 of 2004; 3 to 5 inches (76 to 127 mm) fell over

2610-420: The fledgling bridge company’s stock shares. In the summer of 1833, the bridge company posted a series of legal advertisements seeking contractors to build the envisioned bridge.  The resulting bridge was “thrown open for crossing” on January 1, 1835.  A newspaper item from that time stated: “We don’t know the rates of Toll, but have understood that from favorable terms upon which the bridge has been built,

2668-422: The flood of October 10, 1903. In 1904, the bridge's current steel superstructure was built. The Joint Commission for Elimination of Toll Bridges (usually Joint Commission for short) was founded in 1916, with the goal of removing private toll fares from the bridges on the Delaware River. New Jersey and Pennsylvania co-purchased the privately funded toll bridge in 1922, the last toll was served on April 25, 1922, from

2726-400: The flood. The new superstructure was a standard covered bridge, typical for the time. The bridge was again a toll bridge. The bridge underwent significant repair after a flood damaged it in 1902. The first bridge remained in service until it was swept away by the flood of January 8, 1841. A replacement bridge was constructed shortly afterward and remained in service until it was carried away by

2784-413: The form of whole trees, steel barrels and even houses smashed against the bridge, resulting in damage to all six spans. More than half the bridge's bottom chords were bent or twisted beyond repair. These members were replaced with new fabricated steel members and the bridge was reopened to traffic on November 17, 1955. On July 1st, 1987, the bridges maintenance responsibility was transitioned over entirely to

2842-446: The governor was given additional veto powers and the ability to serve two terms. Hundreds of independent agencies were consolidated into 20 principal executive departments under the control of the governor. Senators' terms were extended to four years; assemblymen's terms to two years. In 1966, the Senate was expanded from 21 to 40 members and the General Assembly from 60 to 80. Following a United States Supreme Court decision in 1964 and

2900-473: The legislature. Prior to the election in which they are chosen, senators must be a minimum of 30 years old and a resident of the state for four years to be eligible to serve in office. From 1844 until 1965 (when the Reynolds v. Sims US Supreme Court decision mandated all state legislators be elected from districts of roughly equal population), each county was an electoral district electing one senator. Under

2958-409: The reapportionment of Salem's seats to the recently formed Hunterdon County ; this was passed into law on February 10, 1727/28. Membership continued at 24 until 1768, when it was expanded to 30 by the addition of two representatives each from Morris , Cumberland and Sussex Counties. This apportionment remained until superseded by the Constitution of 1776. The Governor had the authority to summon

SECTION 50

#1732783909615

3016-501: The singular non-standard lane control signals with a dual pair of standard traffic signals, adding scour protection to the piers, re-decking the pedestrian sidewalk, installing aesthetic treatments on the second pier, improving the pedestrian walkways railing, installing updated signage, repairing the bridge’s light fixtures, and repairing the Pennsylvania masonry abutment, which had notably exhibited severe bulging. On May 4, 2018,

3074-412: Was a toll bridge. The first bridge had its superstructure swept away by a flood on January 8, 1841. The bridge company replaced its obliterated structure, the completion and opening date of which is unknown. An early 20th century letter to the editor states that the post 1841-flood replacement bridge consisted largely of retrieved lattice truss panels of the first bridge, which washed ashore downstream after

3132-533: Was assigned the old Joint Commission’s responsibility of caring for the bridge with equal annual tax subsidies from the two states The New Jersey approach was reconstructed in 1947. The roadway was re-decked in 1951, with the wood planking replaced by steel, which is more resistant to elements such as snow and liquid. This change enabled the bridge’s roadway to be widened 15 feet, with 7.5 foot lanes in each direction. The flood of August 19, 1955, did considerable damage to Washington Crossing Bridge. Floating debris in

3190-478: Was banned by the Legislature in 2008, although the 19 legislators holding multiple offices as of February 1, 2008, were grandfathered into the system. The General Assembly is headed by a Speaker, while the Senate is headed by a President. Each house also has a Majority Leader, a Minority Leader, assistant leaders, and whips . Members of the New Jersey Legislature are chosen from 40 electoral districts. Each district elects one Senator and two Assemblymen. New Jersey

3248-622: Was constructed beginning in 1831 and was completed in 1834. Its six spans gave it a total length of 875 feet. It was the first bridge to open between the New Hope Delaware Bridge Company span to the north and the Trenton Delaware Bridge Company span to the south. Its six spans gave it a total length of 875 feet. The structure design is generally believed to have been a Town’s Lattice Bridge, a design patented by Ithiel Town of Connecticut. It

3306-456: Was then called the "Pennsylvania-New Jersey Joint Bridge Commission" was first approved by Congress in 1935. The compact has been modified several times (on July 8, 1947, July 17, 1951, July 16, 1953, and March 19, 1986). In 1984 and 1985, the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey entered into the current version of the interstate compact, known as the "1984 agreement." This change meant that DRJTBC no longer would receive tax dollars to maintain

3364-572: Was upgraded, and repairs were made to the piers. They also later attempted to improve the bridge’s approaches. The cantilever wood planked pedestrian sidewalk was added in 1926. In late December 1934, the states disbanded the Joint Commission and established the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (“the Bridge Commission”) with an expanded mission of building new “superhighway” toll bridges. The new Bridge Commission

#614385