The Cape May County Bridge Commission is diligently working on a temporary solution to reopen the Middle Thorofare Bridge, which serves as a crucial connection between Cape May and Wildwood Crest and Diamond Beach. A recent motor failure caused the drawbridge to become stuck in an upright position, leading to a significant closure with disruptive consequences. But, the commission is making swift progress in resolving the issue and hopes to have traffic flowing again in the coming weeks.
The interim plan involves installing an auxiliary motor to temporarily make the bridge operational while a specialized replacement for the primary motor is custom-built. Kevin Lare, the executive director of the bridge commission, has indicated that the auxiliary motor could be up and running within a week, with the potential to take up to a month for full installation. Once operational, the bridge will take slightly longer to open and close than usual, but this solution will keep traffic moving smoothly until the primary motor is fully replaced, which is expected to take approximately six months.
In the meantime, the Middle Thorofare Bridge will remain in the upright position to allow commercial and recreational vessels to pass underneath. While the bridge is closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, alternate routes are available for visitors traveling to and from Wildwood Crest. Businesses on both sides of the bridge remain open, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
The temporary closure of the Middle Thorofare Bridge has highlighted its critical importance as a transportation link, with an estimated 560,000 cars crossing it in 2023. Additionally, the bridge provides essential access to New Jersey’s largest commercial fishing port when open for marine traffic. Local businesses, such as Lund’s Fisheries, have expressed gratitude for the swift actions taken by the county to address the issue and maintain operations during the repair period.
Looking ahead, the county is developing plans for a long-term replacement of the Two Mile Bridge, which is one of five tolled bridges in need of replacement due to age. The proposed replacement bridge will be a fixed span with a vertical clearance of 80 feet, reducing the need for frequent drawbridge operations. While the estimated cost of replacing the bridge is significant, between $238 million and $243 million, securing state and federal funding will be crucial to moving the project forward.
Overall, the efforts to address the Middle Thorofare Bridge closure showcase the dedication of the Cape May County Bridge Commission to maintaining vital infrastructure for the local community and ensuring smooth transitions for both land and marine traffic. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the bridge repairs and the long-term replacement plans in the coming months.