Key Jersey Shore bridge reopens after 3 years of repair and rehabilitation

Updated May 23, 2018
Thomas A. Mathis Bridge. Google Earth screen shot.Thomas A. Mathis Bridge. Google Earth screen shot.

On May 5, the New Jersey Department of Transportation issued a news release saying the final phase of repair and rehabilitation work on the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge on the Jersey Shore was completed, and all lanes were opened to traffic, WHYY reports.

Work on the mile-long Route 37 causeway between Ocean County’s Toms River and the Barnegat Bay Island began in 2015.

Most of the work on the $56.4 million, federally-funded project, which involved deck replacement, safety improvements, and mechanical and electrical work on the bridge span, took place during the offseason months. Crews also rehabilitated the bridge operator’s house, made structural steel repairs to the anchor and bascule spans and the electrical and mechanical systems that operate the bridge and warning gates, and upgraded the video monitoring system.

Officials say even though the work is “essentially” complete, there may be occasional daily single lane closures on the span between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for final completion work.