The Mantoloking Bridge will live to see traffic once again.
The county-owned bridge, which crosses Barnegat Bay and connects Brick with Mantoloking, was the subject of initial reports during Hurricane Sandy's landfall that indicated it suffered heavy damage, but tests have shown it survived and remains structurally sound.
"The structure of the bridge has not been compromised," said Brick Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.
Acropolis said engineers have tested the bridge and it is safe to handle all vehicular traffic, including heavy construction vehicles.
Some repairs will be needed, however, including some reconstruction on the bottom of the bridge where it hit land.
At some point over the next week to 10 days, Acropolis said, the bridge will close for approximately four days while those repairs are made.
The issue for motorists, however, is that Herbert Street in Mantoloking – where the bridge emptied out on the barrier island side – as well as Route 35 no longer exist as they did before the storm struck.
Acropolis said crews are now preparing the area on the east side of the bridge for a paved road to be built.
A gravel road was constructed where Route 35 was once located since the state highway was ripped up when the ocean met the bay and formed a new inlet near the bridge's eastern base.
You couldn't have said it better! I LOVE the Mantoloking Bridge...my most favorite by far. Living in Eagle Point off Mantoloking Rd, i traveled over it sometimes 4x per day. The sun, the boats, the drawbridge...my 3 yr old daughter is especially bummed and each day says "why we going this way?" when I make the right towards Rt. 70. The simplicty and peacefulness of the bridge is so calming. Cannot wait to see that area restored. I am grateful for all those who are working day and night to get us back to normal
I love my town, and yeah, the bridge too. The car museum guts me, though. Very Sorry to hear that. All of the losses we've had...geez ...how this stuff was taken for granted before.... It's become a bit symbolic. I'm real glad it's OK.
If we all stick together we'll do okay. Jersey Strong!
Thank you to all those workers doing all these repairs & I'm so so sorry for all of you who have suffered devastating loss from the storm.
Was up 11/11 & got the east end of the bridge. Looks like things are looking a lot better. I'll add a photo to this story. Mike
#youjustmasteredbeingpassiveaggressive