STONE HARBOR – The County of Cape May routinely inspects its bridge infrastructure to address emerging conditions that could limit the load-carrying capacity of a bridge asset.
According to a release, the 96th Street bridge, which connects Middle Township to Stone Harbor, is among the bridges that are subject to more frequent inspections due to the age of the bascule span.
The bascule span, which is the movable section of the bridge, was constructed in 1939 and contains many of the original steel components.
Some of the main supporting members are over 80 years old. The coastal environment and constant vehicular traffic through the years have had an adverse effect on the condition of these bridge members.
Based upon the results of recent inspections, it has been determined that the bridge can no longer reliably carry all legal load configurations without the possibility of overstressing the bridge.
To extend the useful life of the structure until the bascule span has been upgraded, the 96th Street Bridge over Great Channel will be load posted to restrict vehicles in excess of 15 tons gross weight from using the bridge.
Also, vehicles less than 15 tons gross weight are reminded that the bridge speed is 30 mph.
Impact conditions resulting from speeding vehicles also continue to be an issue and the public is encouraged to cross the bridge while obeying the posted speed.
Vehicles over 15 tons will be required to access Stone Harbor via Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601).
Due to the current re-decking of the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge, oversized vehicles wider than 11’-0” will not be able to cross the bridge until May 7, 2020, the anticipated seasonal shut down of the deck project.
All other vehicles will be able to cross the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge without restriction.
The county regrets having to load post the bridge however the safety of the traveling public is paramount.
