NJDOT reopens Route 71 bridge over Shark River
to vehicular traffic
Electrical repairs completed ahead of schedule
after Hurricane Sandy damage
(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the reopening of the Route 71/Main Street Bridge over the Shark River that links Belmar and Avon-By-The-Sea in Monmouth County, days ahead of the schedule.
“We are pleased to get this bridge back in service ahead of schedule because we understand its importance to residents, business owners and visitors," said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson.
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, NJDOT pinned the bridge in the open position to allow for extensive electrical repairs to the drawbridge. The electrical and mechanical systems that power the drawbridge were damaged by tidal flooding and wind generated by the superstorm. NJDOT announced the bridge would be out of operation for approximately 60 days but was able to complete the repairs in 48 days.
The Shark River channel is one of the busiest commercial boating channels in the state. The bridge opens for marine traffic on-demand, per U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
In 2011, NJDOT completed a project to rehabilitate the out-dated mechanical and electrical systems on the bridge and installed new safety barrier gates.
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