Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced earlier this month that the completion of a bridge project in Bayonne, New Jersey, has been delayed by two years. The project, called “Raise the Roadway”, is now not expected to complete construction until 2019.

The $1.3 billion dollar project, operated by the joint venture of Skanska Koch/Kiewit Infrastructure Co. (JV), broke ground in May 2013. When completed, the project will raise the existing Bayonne Bridge from 151 feet to 215 feet, and widen roadways to 12 feet. Additional 12-foot lanes shared by bicyclists and pedestrians will also be implemented.

The delay in completing the project was brought on by harsh weather over the past winter, changes made to address the concerns of the community and modifications made to ensure safety. The cost of the project is expected to increase by roughly 15 percent.

Despite the setback, Michael Cobelli, President & CEO of Skanska Civil, Inc., remains optimistic about the project,

"We are confident that we will complete the Bayonne Bridge's 'Raise the Roadway' project within the revised timetable,” Cobelli said in a press release. “This has been a challenging project, but we have committed the resources to complete it successfully, with full awareness of how vitally important it is for the regional economy."

The project is currently almost 50% complete.