Middle Thorofare Bridge reopens morning after boat strike

LOWER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- Traffic has started moving once again on the Middle Thorofare Bridge between Wildwood Crest and Cape May on Saturday morning.

The bridge, also known as the Two Mile Bridge, temporarily closed on Friday night after being struck by a boat that lost power, according to Kevin Lare, executive director of the Cape May Bridge Commission.

Lare said Saturday morning the bridge had been inspected and cleared to resume carrying traffic.

Cars, cyclists and pedestrians got the go-ahead to cross the bridge Saturday morning and the first cars began crossing around 7:30 a.m. The Wildwood Crest Police Department previously said the bridge would reopen Saturday at 8 a.m.

The boat struck the bridge around 11 p.m. Friday night. All vehicles were turned around and investigators worked to figure out if there is any structural damage to the bridge.

There were no reported injuries to anyone on the bridge or the boat as a result of the strike.

Drivers were asked to use the George Redding Bridge as an alternate route during the closure.

The bridge has been in service since 1939 and has been an important link for traffic between Lower Township, near Cape May, and Diamond Beach.

CBS News Philadelphia investigated the bridge after it reopened following a motor failure caused it to shut down for days.

The investigations uncovered that the aging drawbridge was already in 'critical condition' and has been for a few years now.

A replacement bridge won't be built until at least 2030, according to bridge inspection reports.