New Jersey’s Belmar.According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), a technical failure in the south leaf of the Route 71 drawbridge, which connects Belmar with Avon-by-the-Sea, has resulted in its closure to all boat and vehicle traffic.
The bridge was rendered unworkable by the failure earlier this week, necessitating the manual lifting of the affected span by a crane. Over the weekend, urgent repairs will be carried out.
For commuters and marine traffic, the bridge that crosses the Shark River is an essential connection. Both local boaters and drivers have had to take detours because to the sudden shutdown.
NJDOT stated that although the bridge is now undergoing interim repairs, a complete replacement is already planned for 2028. NJ.com estimates that the replacement project will cost $163 million.
Drivers and boaters are encouraged to take other routes while the bridge is repaired and reopened.
Belmar’s Route 71 drawbridge has been closed due to a mechanical problem; emergency repairs are being made, and a complete replacement is scheduled for 2028.
