Oceanic Bridge Reopened To Traffic, But Some Repairs Will Continue

Repairs to the aging Oceanic Bridge that spans the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown are still ongoing, but the major restoration work has been completed, borough officials say.

The bridge reopened to traffic on Saturday morning.

Working around the clock, in 12-hour shifts, Howell-based Harms Construction Co. Inc. has performed repair and restoration work on all four of the bridge’s main bearings that are used to support the bascule and flanking spans on the bridge approaches, according to the borough website.

Repair work to the bridge deck will continue for an additional week and require full overnight bridge closures, weather permitting, from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Sunday, June 14 through Friday, June 19.

“We appreciate the patience of the local residents, business owners and visitors while we conducted this necessary repair,” the website states. “The Oceanic Bridge is an important connector in the Two River area. We need to keep the bridge open and operational as we plan for its eventual replacement.”

A previous Oceanic Bridge repair project revealed deterioration in two areas not readily or previously accessible. Two of the bridge’s four main bearings required immediate repair work; the two remaining bearings received maintenance work as well.

The Oceanic Bridge was closed to all but marine traffic on weekdays following Memorial Day 2015.

The 2,712-foot drawbridge crosses the Navesink River and serves beach, commercial and residential traffic, as well as pedestrian and bicycle travel. It is also a key route for coastal evacuations and emergency vehicles headed to hospitals or providing mutual aid. The bridge has been classified as structurally deficient. Plans are in the works for a replacement bridge.