Route 37 Traffic Alert For Seaside Polar Bear Plunge Saturday

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — If you're going to the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday in Seaside Heights, either to plunge or to watch the plungers, give yourself extra time to get there, the state Department of Transportation says, due to the ongoing construction on the Route 37 Bridge into Seaside Heights.

The event, which is marking its 25th year on Saturday, draws 7,000 plungers and thousands more spectators to Seaside Heights each year. Registration and check-in for the event begins at 9 a.m. and the plunge itself starts at 1 p.m..

The construction on the Mathis Bridge span is in its final phase but traffic remains diverted onto the Tunney Bridge, with one lane for traffic to Seaside and two lanes returning from the borough.

The DOT is urging plungers and spectators to use Route 35 south from Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head and Brick to help minimize traffic tieups on Route 37.

The DOT travel recommendations are as follows:

Coming from the north:

• Take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 98 for Route 34 South.
• Follow Route 34 South, which will become Route 35 South.
• Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

Coming from the south:

• Take the Garden State Parkway north to exit 90 (Brick Township).
• Turn right onto Chambersbridge Road.
• Continue through seven traffic lights to the intersection of Mantoloking Road/CR 528.
• Turn left and follow Mantoloking Road to end.
• Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

Coming from the west via Interstate 195:

• Head east on I-195 to Exit 35A for Route 34 South (Brielle).
• Follow Route 34 South, which will become Route 35 South.
• Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

Coming from the west via Route 70:

• Take Route 70 toward Brick Township.
• Turn right onto Cedar Bridge Avenue, which will become Mantoloking Road (CR 528).
• Follow Mantoloking Road to end.
• Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

The $74 million federally funded Mathis Bridge project has included replacing the bridge deck, which was about 65 years old, safety improvements to the barrier and railings, and repairing and replacing mechanical and electrical components that operate the moveable lift span.

The project is anticipated to be done by Memorial Day this year, the DOT said.

Mathis Bridge detour, photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff