The NJ Transit railroad bridge over the Manasquan River is in the closed position and is expected to remain there at least through Friday evening, officials said.
Brielle police said they have been notified by NJ Transit of the bridge remaining in the down position until about 8 p.m. because of the effects of the heat on the 115-year-old bascule bridge.
The closures could continue Saturday and Sunday, Brielle police said.
The bridge, which was built in 1911, carries a single non‐electrified track and a maintenance walkway, according to NJ Transit, which has plans in the works to replace the bridge.
The NJ Transit bridge closure to marine traffic comes as the nearby Loveland Town Bridge over the Point Pleasant Canal has been closed to marine traffic since Tuesday because of the heat.
That bridge has a 30-foot clearance over the canal, and the state Department of Transportation said boats that can safely travel under it may do so.
The extreme heat causes the metal parts of the bridges to expand, causing them to get stuck in position.
NJ Transit said the extreme heat also may force trains to travel at slower speeds, which could result in delays.
Please check njtransit.com/heat, the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, or follow your line account on Twitter/X for the latest service information," NJ Transit said.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Point Pleasant, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.