Route 71 Drawbridge Repairs on Track for Completion, Set to Reopen by End of May

BELMAR, NJ - The ongoing emergency repairs on the Route 71 Drawbridge over Shark River are set to wrap up by Friday, May 31. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the installation of new components is on schedule to be completed the beginning of the week, as crews worked through Memorial Day Weekend.

To ensure the bridge's readiness, rigorous testing involving numerous openings and closings will commence on Tuesday, May 28. These tests, expected to last three days, are essential for assessing the bridge's operational reliability. During this period, intermittent channel closures will be implemented to facilitate safe testing procedures.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

In addition to the emergency fixes, the NJDOT is also addressing high-priority structural issues, including repairs to the expansion joints on the approach spans. Although this work runs concurrently with the emergency repairs, it does not impact the bridge’s current operations and is slated for completion in late June.

The Route 71 Bridge, a vital link built in 1932, has been non-operational for vehicles since a mechanical failure on March 1. While secured in an open position to comply with federal law—which mandates unobstructed marine passage—the bridge was able to accommodate marine traffic starting March 12. Despite this, temporary channel closures may be necessary for safety during the final repair stages.

Throughout the repair process, NJDOT has prioritized minimizing disruption and accelerating work to restore full functionality to the bridge. While Route 71/Main Street remains closed with detour routes in place, the bridge's reopening will soon facilitate normal traffic flow, benefiting the local communities significantly affected by the closure. All traffic lanes and pedestrian access via a sidewalk on at least one side of the bridge will be maintained once it reopens to vehicular traffic.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net