Construction began on March 4, 2021 after Passaic County classified the bridge as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete due to the condition of the superstructure, substructure and the bridge geometry.  The bridge reopened in summer 2023. 

The Fairlawn Avenue Bridge Project consisted of the replacement of the existing bridge with a new a two-span continuous structure, approximately 270 feet long providing a 40 feet curb to curb roadway which matches the existing width of Fair Lawn Avenue.  The new bridge structure carries three lanes: one eastbound lane, one exclusive left-turn westbound lane, and one left and right turning westbound lane.  The traffic lanes are constructed at approximately the same location as the previous bridge.

Additionally, the new bridge consists of welded steel plate girders composite with a reinforced concrete deck.  There is a six-foot concrete sidewalk along the north side and a 4-bar steel railing on both sides of the bridge.  The project also included upgrading/modifications of the existing traffic signal at Fair Lawn Avenue Route 20 intersection.

The Fairlawn Avenue Bridge, originally built in 1905, was a two-span bridge supporting only two lanes of traffic, measuring 270 feet in length with a roadway width of 19.5 feet and one 5.8 feet sidewalk at the south side of the bridge.  It has served as a critical artery connecting Fair Lawn and Paterson for over 117 years.

The existing bridge was eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  An interpretive sign was installed on the Fair Lawn Avenue side of the structure.  The purpose of the sign is to inform local residents, students, and visitors of the history behind the Fair Lawn Avenue Bridge, as well as any previous bridges at this location.