N.J. Stat. tit. 27, ch. 21

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-1 Construction by county; application by municipality

When in any county a street or highway is crossed by a canal owned by a canal corporation, its successors or assigns, and the municipal board or body having control of street improvements in the municipality in which the road or highway is situate passes resolutions requesting the board of chosen freeholders to construct a bridge over the canal or to cause an existing bridge over it to be widened, the board of chosen freeholders may construct a bridge in such streets or highways, or cause an existing bridge over such canal to be widened.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-2 Approval of plans by municipality before advertising for bids

The board of chosen freeholders shall not advertise for bids or proceed with the work of erecting or widening a bridge as provided in section 27:21-1 of this title, until the plans and specifications therefor shall have been submitted to and approved by the board or body in the municipality having charge of street improvements therein.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-3 Apportionment of cost; agreement; action where no agreement

The cost of construction of a bridge or the widening of an existing bridge shall be borne by the board of chosen freeholders of the county, the canal corporation, its successors or assigns, over whose canal the bridge is constructed or widened, and the municipality in which the street or highway is located, in the amount or proportion agreed upon between them. If no agreement can be reached the board of chosen freeholders may institute an action in the Superior Court. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or otherwise and may apportion and determine the portion of the expense to be paid by each of the parties. Amended by L.1953, c. 27, p. 502, s. 29.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-4 Damage to abutting property paid by municipality

The owners of property abutting the bridge shall be entitled to compensation for damages sustained by reason of the construction thereof or the widening of an existing bridge, and the municipality in which the bridge is constructed or widened shall bear and pay the damages ascertained to property within its limits, which damages may be ascertained in the same manner that damages are ascertained on the change of grade of streets, or the abutting property owners may bring their action at law to recover such damages if brought within one year after the acceptance of the work so completed by the board. The board of chosen freeholders shall not be liable for such damages.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-5 Share borne by county; limitation

The board of chosen freeholders may expend as its share of the cost of construction of any such bridge or bridges, or of the widening thereof, a sum not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-6 County bonds

If in the opinion of the board of chosen freeholders, to place the entire cost of the work in the tax levy for one fiscal year would be too burdensome to the taxpayers of the county, it may issue registered or coupon bonds therefor, in denominations of one thousand dollars each.

N.J. Stat. § 27:21-7 Municipal bonds; limitation

In order to enable the municipalities to raise the moneys wherewith to pay any damages with which they may be charged by reason of the construction or widening of such bridge, each municipality may issue and sell its bonds in an amount not exceeding the damages assessed or charged against it.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026