The iconic drawbridge that links Avon-By-The-Sea and Belmar broke in March. The problem with icons is that replacement parts are very hard to come by if they exist at all. Now the New Jersey Department of Transportation is ‘scrambling’ (we all know that government doesn’t scramble – but crawls) looking for the necessary replacement parts so the bridge can become functional.
The bridge, built in 1932, connects the two towns on Route 71, which goes over the Shark River.
The “Shark River Bridge” has been stuck in the open position since March 12, when the bridge opened and when it did, resulted in a mechanical failure causing “significant damage” to the mechanical functionality that raises and lowers the span, allowing for boat traffic to pass coming from the marinas on the Shark River.
Stephen Schapiro, a state Department of Transportation spokesperson, stated, “The bridge was successfully opened to marine traffic on March 12 and is secured in the open position. The NJDOT is legally obligated to allow marine traffic to pass, as it has the right of way.”
The U.S. Coast Guard requires such bridges to yield to vessels.
The timing of this mechanical event couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time – right before the summer tourist season begins.
Currently, the state is assessing what was broken and is fabricating parts to repair the mechanical function that is responsible for opening and closing the bridge.
The New Jersey officials do not know when the repairs will be completed. But back in the beginning of March, Department of Transportation officials estimated emergency repairs would take several months.
“The repair design is being advanced as quickly as possible to expedite full functionality of the bridge,” Schapiro said.
Automobile traffic can detour around the disabled drawbridge by following Route 35.
This is the second time recently that the Route 71 bridge has had to have emergency repairs. Back in September 2022, the bridge was stuck in the closed position and was unable to open for vessels.
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