Route 71 bridge in Monmouth County will remain closed for Memorial Day weekend

Many people heading down to the beaches for Memorial Day weekend will eventually end up in Belmar – however, the Route 71 Draw Bridge over the Shark River in Monmouth County will not reopen this weekend for commuter traffic.

Officials were looking to get the bridge back up and running by the holiday but that’s been pushed back a week. The closure of the bridge has had a serious impact on local shops and restaurants in Belmar and in Avon-By-The-Sea where business is down in some spots more than 25% from a year ago.

MORE: Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

The Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce has visited several of the businesses that have felt the months of impact from the bridge being closed.

The bridge will begin testing next Tuesday which will take several days, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The latest plan is to have it reopen by May 31.

MORE: Route 71 Bridge connecting Belmar to Avon-By-The-Sea expected to open May 31, DOT says

MORE: NJ DOT to provide free shuttle service during Route 71 Shark River Bridge work repairs