Tuckahoe River Bridge To Close As Rehab Project Continues

The Route 50 Tuckahoe River Bridge will be closed next week as the bridge rehabilitation project continues in Cape May and Atlantic counties, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) said on Wednesday.

From 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, April 18, through 6 a.m. on Friday, April 21, South State, Inc. will close Route 50 between Mosquito Landing Road and Route 49 for bridge deck construction.

Previously established truck-only detours will be open to all vehicles during this closure. The bridge will remain open to emergency responders only. State Police will oversee detours and emergency services.

The following detours will be in place:

Route 50 Northbound Detour:

• Motorists traveling on Route 50 northbound will be directed to make a left onto Route 49 westbound
• Continue on Route 49 by bearing right passing the fork with Weatherby Road
• Continue on Route 49 westbound and make a right on to CR666/Cape May Avenue
• Make a right onto First Avenue and continue as First Avenue becomes CR637/Cumberland Avenue, which merges back into Route 50 northbound

Route 50 Southbound Detour:

• Motorists traveling on Route 50 southbound will be directed to bear right onto CR637/Cumberland Avenue
• From CR637/Cumberland Avenue, make a left onto CR666/Cape May Avenue
• Make a left onto Route 49 eastbound
• Continue on Route 49 eastbound and make a right onto Route 50 southbound

The current bridge will be replaced with a new low-level, fixed-span structure over the Tuckahoe River that connects Upper Township to Corbin City. The $11.7 million project is federally funded, and began in October of 2013.

The highway will be widened in the area of the bridge, and there will be safety and operational improvements made at intersections. This includes the addition of new dedicated turn lanes.

New sidewalks and curbs will be installed along Route 50 and the existing drainage system will be upgraded. The project is expected to be complete by this summer.

Variable message signs and lane closure signs are being used to make drivers aware of all traffic pattern changes associated with the deck replacement project. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming road closures.

The timing of the project is subject to weather and other factors. Drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information, and follow NJDOT on Twitter at @NJDOT_info.

Patch file photo