Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

Old Bridge Township, New Jersey
Name	Old Bridge Township
Settlement type	Township
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New Jersey
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Middlesex
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	March 2, 1869
Government type	Mayor-Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Owen Henry
Leader title1	Municipal Clerk
Leader name1	Kathleen M. Walpole
Area total km2	107.20
Area land km2	100.78
Area water km2	6.42
Area total sq mi	41.39
Area land sq mi	38.91
Area water sq mi	2.48
Population as of	2020
Population total	66776
Population density km2	auto
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	08857, 08859
Area code	732/848
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	34-54690
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0882108
Website	www.oldbridge.com

Old Bridge Township, New Jersey. Old Bridge Township is a township in central Middlesex County, within the U.S. state of New Jersey. Incorporated in 1869, it is part of the New York metropolitan area and has evolved from a primarily agricultural community into a significant suburban residential hub. The township is named for an historic crossing over the South River and is governed under the Faulkner Act (mayor–council) system.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement began in the late 17th century. It was part of East Jersey and was known as Madison Township upon its incorporation by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 2, 1869, from portions of South Amboy Township. The name was officially changed to Old Bridge Township on November 23, 1975, following a referendum, to reflect the historic Old Bridge crossing. Significant historical events include its role in the American Revolutionary War, with local militia participating in engagements like the Battle of Monmouth. The township's development accelerated in the mid-20th century with the construction of the Garden State Parkway and major residential subdivisions like Laurence Harbor.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 107.20 square kilometers, of which 100.78 square kilometers is land and 6.42 square kilometers is water. It is bordered by Sayreville and South River to the north, Matawan in Monmouth County to the east, Manalapan Township to the south, and Monroe Township to the west. Major waterways include the South River and Manalapan Brook, while notable parks include Cheesequake State Park and the Old Bridge Waterfront Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 66,776, representing diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey reported a median household income significantly above the national average. Population centers include the census-designated places of Old Bridge and Laurence Harbor, as well as numerous smaller neighborhoods. The township has seen steady growth since the mid-20th century, transitioning from a rural to a suburban character.

Government

Old Bridge Township operates under the Faulkner Act (mayor–council) system of municipal government, implemented as of January 1, 1991. The government consists of a Mayor and a seven-member Township Council, all elected on a partisan basis. The current Mayor is Owen Henry, a member of the Republican Party. The township is located in New Jersey's 6th and 12th legislative districts, represented in the New Jersey Senate by James W. Holzapfel and Samuel D. Thompson, and is part of New Jersey's 6th congressional district, represented by Frank Pallone.

Education

Public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade are served by the Old Bridge Township Public Schools district. The district includes two high schools, Old Bridge High School and the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies. Private institutions include the St. Thomas the Apostle School. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Middlesex College, Rutgers University, and Brookdale Community College.

Notable people

Notable current and former residents include baseball player Al Leiter, actress Kristen Wiig, NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr., musician Jon Bon Jovi, football player Shaun O'Hara, and astronaut Mark L. Polansky. Other distinguished individuals are former Assembly Speaker Joseph V. Doria Jr., actress Michele Merkin, and professional wrestler Bam Bam Bigelow.

Category:Townships in Middlesex County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in 1869 Category:1869 establishments in New Jersey