Attention all travelers to Cape May County! The iconic Middle Thorofare Bridge, also known as the “Two Mile Bridge,” connecting Lower Township and Wildwood Crest, is currently closed to all vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians due to unforeseen circumstances.
This closure comes after a motor failure that rendered the bridge in the fully upright position to accommodate commercial vessels passing through. Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera took to Facebook to announce the unfortunate news.
Looking for alternative routes? NJ Transit trains and buses will be free the week before Labor Day to help with your travel plans.
The Cape May County Bridge Commission, which owns the bridge, confirmed a total failure of the drive shaft motor necessary for opening the bridge on demand. Following multiple tests, electrical engineers deemed the motor inoperable and irreparable.
A replacement motor, described as “highly specialized,” is being sought with hopes to resume bridge operations as soon as possible. However, the commission warns that the best-case scenario would still require “many weeks” for repair.
With no set timeline for reopening, Cabrera advises travelers heading south toward Cape May or north into Lower and Wildwood Crest to seek alternate routes until further notice.
The Middle Thorofare Bridge, constructed in 1939, is already considered past its service life and according to reports, may require a replacement costing over $238 million. Recent electrical work notices were given in late July to address ongoing issues with the structure.
For now, signs and traffic cones mark the closed bridge while visitors can utilize the George Redding Bridge in Wildwood for access to and from Wildwood Crest. Despite the inconvenience, all businesses on either side of the bridge remain open for patrons.
Stay tuned for updates as county officials work to resolve the situation. In the meantime, be sure to plan your travel accordingly and explore the scenic Cape May area via alternate routes!