COUNTY BRIDGES TO ALLOW MARINE TRAFFIC TO PASS
Monmouth County’s four movable bridges will begin a limited schedule to allow marine traffic to exit Monmouth County waterways during daylight hours on Friday, November 9.
Until electric power is restored to the primary operating systems on the movable bridges, the County will follow a limited schedule for opening the bridge spans to marine traffic.
The schedule will resume again, during daylight hours, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, if power has not been restored to the bridges:
The Oceanic Bridge (S-31), on CR8A (Bingham Avenue) at the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown, can be open with a 48 hours advanced notice and will be open for a maximum period of 30 minutes. Contact Jon Moren at the Monmouth County Engineering Department at 732-431-7760 to make arrangements for opening.
The Sea Bright-Rumson Bridge (S-32), on CR 520 Rumson Road at the Shrewsbury River between Sea Bright and Rumson can be open with a 48 hours advance notice and will be open for a maximum period of 30 minutes. Contact Jon Moren at the Monmouth County Engineering Department at 732-431-7760 to make arrangements for opening
The Glimmer Glass Bridge (W-9) on Brielle Road at the Glimmer Glass between Brielle and Manasquan, can be open with a 48 hours advanced notice and will be open for a maximum period of 30 minutes. Contact Jon Moren at the Monmouth County Engineering Department at 732-431-7760 to make arrangements for opening.
The Shark River Bridge (W-43) on Ocean Avenue at the Shark River located on Ocean Avenue between Avon and Belmar will open on demand by the bridge operator stationed at the bridge.The number ofon demand openings may be limiteduntil electric power to the bridge is restored.
“There are many residents who are understandably concerned about moving their boats in and out of our marinas however, our primary responsibility remains the safety of the general public and assisting the towns with cleanup and recovery efforts,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “We are also working closely with the Coast Guard and local police departments to ensure that mariners are able to safely and responsibly retrieve their boats.”
The Monmouth County Engineer, Joseph M. Ettore, P.E., noted that all marine traffic is subject to the ongoing approval of both the local police departments and the United States Coast Guard.
At this time, police are asking that pedestrians not to use these bridges for travel or sightseeing as it is still very dangerous. Some municipalities may also prohibit vehicular travel as well.
“While asking residents to stay off these bridges may cause some inconvenience, our top priority is always the safety of our residents,”said Arnone.”Please adhere to the regulations set by your county and local officials as they are always set with your best interests in mind.”
For more information on marine traffic, residents can access the Coast Guard Notice to Mariners at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmMain.