Townsend's Inlet Bridge To Stay Closed Through 'Late Summer'

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. — Although Cape May County's goal complete construction on Townsend's Inlet Bridge on May 22, the county announced the bridge won't reopen before late summer.

Officials cited weather, tidal events and overall complexity of the project as reasons for the delay. Townsend's Inlet Bridge connects Sea Isle City and Avalon. The county engaged engaged with a contractor to replace spans 1-7 on the bridge in September.

The county said they'll have a more precise projection of the opening date within the next 30 days, after key construction activities are completed.

"Despite adding additional manpower and work shifts (at times 24 hours per day of construction activity), several construction challenges including those associated with demolition, underwater salvage operations, and subsurface geotechnical complications have adversely affected the bridge’s completion schedule," the announcement said.

Replacement of the seven spans arose after routine inspections revealed that replacement, as opposed to repair, was necessary to provide the safest and most cost-effective resolution, according to officials.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Ocean City Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.