Will Work On Route 35 Bridge In Manasquan/Brielle Area Ever Stop?

Work continues on the Route 35 bridge – several months after local officials wondered if workers have largely "disappeared" from the project that has caused problems in the area.

The only question is: When will the work be done, and will it impact the tourism season?

The work has caused lane closures, all part of a project to rehabilitate the Route 35 bridge starting in Point Pleasant Beach and spanning over Ashley Avenue in Brielle.

Work had included the installation of barrier curb on the southbound shoulder, construction of a temporary pedestrian detour, and installation of protective shielding, DOT officials say.

The $6.3 million dollar federally-funded project will replace the deck, parapets, sidewalk, and other improvements to the superstructure, substructure, lighting, and approaches to the bridge.

The project is designed in stages to minimize impacts to traffic. The project was expected to be completed by summer.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Stephen Reid has said businesses are struggling to come to grips with the stalled project's lack of progress. He and business owners have worried that, if the project isn't done by this month, summer tourism could be impacted.

"Tourism in New Jersey is a multibillion-dollar industry," Reid told News12. "This is the heartbeat of tourism right here. Especially Jenkinson's, the boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach. Without people coming down, spending money, that's going to hurt the state taxes."

The NJDOT released a statement to News12, saying:

"During the Stage 1 work on the northbound lanes, several beams were damaged, which has caused an interruption in work progress. NJDOT is in the process of evaluating the damage and is working with the contractor to design a repair at the contractor's cost. A revised schedule is currently being developed to include all four lanes (two southbound and two northbound) to be re-opened during the summer season from May 15, 2019 to September 15, 2019.