MIDDLE THOROFARE – The Middle Thorofare Bridge suffered only minor damage when it was hit by the 90-foot fishing vessel Jersey Cape, which became disabled Friday, Aug. 30, and was pinned against the bridge due to the wind and an outgoing tide.
According to Kevin Lare, executive director of the Cape May County Bridge Commission, the bridge suffered “minimal cosmetic damage.”
Sea Tow-Cape May owner Jack Moran had said he believed there were divers in the water the morning after the incident inspecting the the bridge. The span, which had cosmetic problems prior to the incident, is under consideration for replacement; however, a contract for the preliminary design will not begin until October at the earliest. The estimated cost of replacement is $250 million.
Lare said via email on Tuesday, Sept. 3, that he was still waiting for the engineer’s comments regarding the bridge. It was deemed safe for car travel at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
