Mark Your Calendar: Virtual Meeting on Glimmer Glass Bridge Project – Dec. 19

MANASQUAN, NJ – Residents of Manasquan and Brielle, long accustomed to disruptions caused by the aging Glimmer Glass Bridge (officially known as Bridge W-9), learned this past summer that the bridge will eventually close for a complete rebuild by Monmouth County.

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced that the New Jersey Historic Sites Council will host a virtual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. via Microsoft Teams to discuss the replacement of Glimmer Glass Bridge, which the County denotes as Bridge W-9 on Brielle Road.

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"Despite ongoing maintenance efforts, the age and deteriorating condition of Bridge W-9 have made it unreliable, causing significant frustrations for travelers in the area," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, who oversees the Department of Public Works & Engineering. "We are committed to working with the New Jersey Historic Sites Council and our partners to move this project forward. For more details on the Three Bridges Project, including Bridges W-7, W-8, and W-9, visit www.monmouthcountythreebridges.com ."

To join the virtual meeting, residents can access it at www.monmouthcountythreebridges.com .

The Glimmer Glass Bridge, a county-owned structure, spans Glimmer Glass Creek—a tidal inlet of the Manasquan River—connecting Manasquan and Brielle. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008. Due to its age, the bridge will need to be replaced fully rather than the ongoing closures and temporary repairs to better accommodate commercial vehicles in the long term..

The broader Three Bridges Project encompasses the replacement of the Glimmer Glass Bridge (W-9), Green Avenue Bridge (W-7), and the Fisk Avenue Culvert (W-8). Monmouth County is actively pursuing federal and state funding to minimize the financial burden on local taxpayers. The project may be eligible for reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration, contingent on the county adhering to an approved plan. The design phase is expected to take 2–3 years, as the application must undergo review by the State Historic Preservation Office. Current estimates put the total cost of the repairs at $35.3 million, although that figure may increase as the project scope is finalized.

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Safety remains the county's top priority, with inspectors noting that the Glimmer Glass Bridge suffers from substandard load capacity, outdated railings, insufficient vertical clearance, and aging mechanical and electrical systems.

Monmouth County is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,000 lane miles of roads, 980 bridges and culverts, and 250 traffic signals and beacons.

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