Key Jersey Shore bridge to reopen soon
The Mathis Bridge. (Image: Justin Auciello/for NewsWorks)
A bridge providing a critical linkage from the mainland to Ocean County’s northern barrier island is set to reopen soon.
Crews are set to reopen the Mathis Bridge on May 10, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and that’s welcome news to motorists who have experienced heavy traffic heading to the Seaside area during the recent warm days.
The bridge, a bascule span that opens for large boats, has been closed since last fall to accommodate repair and installation work.
During the last two off-season months, motorists have utilized one lane of the parallel Stanley J. Tunney Bridge to travel eastbound across the Barnegat Bay. The Tunney Bridge typically only carries westbound traffic.
Those traveling over the Mathis Bridge will experience a smoother ride thanks to a deck replacement.
Construction is set to resume next fall and will finish prior to next summer.
In addition to the deck replacement, the $74 million project involves involves safety improvements, a new bascule, and mechanical and electrical work on the span, which was built in 1950.
So peaceful off the Tunney Mathis Bridge pic.twitter.com/hqI6lXbF
— Harry T. Frezza Jr. (@thefrez56) November 24, 2012
Beautiful day at the #JerseyShore Especially for a boat ride!!! View of the Seaside Bridge (Thomas A Mathis Bridge) pic.twitter.com/6GauknAD1w
— Rose (@Roses4girls) August 25, 2013
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