Antique cars and old bridges have one thing in common— when they break down, parts are hard to come by.
The Route 71 bridge over the Shark River between Avon and Belmar in Monmouth County has been stuck in the open position since early March, when a mechanical failure resulted in “significant damage” to the machinery that raises and lowers North Bridge span.
“The bridge was successfully opened to marine traffic on March 12 and is secured in the open position,” said Stephen Schapiro, a state Department of Transportation spokesperson. “NJDOT is legally obligated to allow marine traffic to pass, as it has the right of way.”
Several marinas are located west of the bridge.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires operators of movable bridges to open bridges for vessels. The state Department of Transportation had to bring in a large crane to lift the north span of the drawbridge.
The bridge was built in 1932 and the state is fabricating parts to repair the mechanism that opens and closes the bridge, Schapiro said. The mechanical malfunction took place on March 1.
It is unclear when the repairs will be completed.
“The repair design is being advanced as quickly as possible to expedite full functionality of the bridge,” Schapiro said.
In early March, Department of Transportation officials estimated emergency repairs would take several months.
Drivers won’t have to go to far to detour around the disabled drawbridge. Route 35 is nearby and has a higher bridge over the Shark River that allows marine traffic to underneath.
This isn’t the first time the Route 71 bridge has had to undergo emergency repairs. In September 2022, the bridge got stuck in the closed position and was unable to open for vessels.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
