Two drawbridges built during the Great Depression are failing, causing disruptions for motorists and boaters along the Jersey Shore.
The Dorset Avenue Bridge, spanning the Intracoastal Waterway between Ventnor Heights and Absecon Island, has been inoperable since May due to mechanical and electrical malfunctions. Built in 1929, this bridge joins another Jersey Shore drawbridge, the Route 71 bridge in Monmouth County, as casualties of deteriorating infrastructure. Both bridges, constructed during the Great Depression, have encountered issues that are disrupting traffic flow for both vehicles and boaters.
While the Route 71 drawbridge's moveable section is stuck in the open position, creating difficulties for tall vessels, the Dorset Avenue bridge remains permanently closed, posing a challenge for boaters. Notably, the Route 71 bridge, owned by the state, might be replaced due to its significant deterioration. However, the Dorset Avenue bridge, belonging to Atlantic County, is unlikely to be replaced in the foreseeable future. Cost is a major factor, with estimates suggesting a replacement could cost between $85 million and $100 million, not to mention the logistical inconveniences and financial burden on residents
Aging Infrastructure Drawbridge Failures Jersey Shore Transportation Disruptions Coastal Erosion
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