CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — Cape May County commissioners got an update April 28 on studies for replacing two aging bridges along Ocean Drive, one at Corsons Inlet in Upper Township and one at Townsends Inlet between Avalon and Sea Isle City.
Bruce Riegel of Hardesty & Hanover presented the Local Concept Development plans during the board’s caucus meeting, according to the Cape May County Board of Commissioners Public Information Office. The studies began in March 2025 and are federally funded through a Bridge Planning Grant under the Federal Highway Administration.
According to the county, both studies are intended to address structural deficiencies, improve safety and maintain transportation links for residents, visitors and maritime users. The county said the projects are following its Local Capital Project Delivery Process, which includes purpose and need statements, data collection, environmental screening and concept development reports. The process will next move into public outreach and regulatory stakeholder involvement before a Preliminary Preferred Alternative is selected for each bridge.
The Corsons Inlet Bridge was built in 1948 and most recently rehabilitated in 2025, according to the county. The 1,485-foot bridge connects Strathmere with Ocean City and carries an average daily traffic of 4,264 vehicles during peak summer months. The county said the single-leaf bascule span has been inoperable since December 2013 because of deterioration of the mechanism, and that replacement concepts reviewed include fixed and movable spans with different vertical clearances and alignments. Construction costs presented ranged from about $50 million for rehabilitation options to more than $200 million for full replacement options.
The Townsends Inlet Bridge, built in 1939 and rehabilitated as recently as 2019, is 1,373 feet long and carries average daily traffic of 5,625 vehicles, according to the county. The county said the bridge is rated in poor condition because of section loss and pitting in the superstructure, corrosion and collision damage in the substructure, inadequate sight distance and the lack of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Five replacement concepts were presented, with estimated construction costs generally between $190 million and $230 million.
“These bridge replacements are essential investments in the safety and connectivity that define Cape May County,” said Board of Commissioners Director Leonard C. Desiderio. “Our residents and the thousands of visitors who rely on Ocean Drive each summer deserve modern, reliable infrastructure. By advancing these federally supported projects through a thoughtful, community-focused process, we are ensuring long-term mobility, supporting local businesses and tourism, protecting the environment, and honoring our commitment to sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
According to the county, all alternatives are intended to avoid or minimize long-term roadway closures while preserving the scenic and economic vitality of the barrier islands. The final Preliminary Preferred Alternative for both bridges is expected by December 2026. The current projected timeline for the bridge replacement projects is seven to 10 years.
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