Déjà vu: Townsend’s Inlet Bridge to Close Sept. 17 ‘til May

SEA ISLE CITY – Beginning Sept. 17 about 4 a.m., the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge will be closed until May 22, 2019 as part of the planned replacement of spans 1-7 at the southerly (Avalon) end of the bridge. 
According to a release, it is anticipated that the bridge will remain closed until May 22 as the contractor, Agate Construction, removes that portion of the structure.
The proposed work will include the demolition of spans 1-7, installation of new piling, installation of new pier caps, installation of new stringers and installation of  a new concrete deck and railing system at these spans.  Traffic heading north along Ocean Drive (C.R. 619) will be detoured onto Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601).
Traffic heading south along Landis Avenue (C.R.619) will be detoured onto Sea Isle Boulevard (C.R. 625). 
Residents living adjacent to the bridge will have full access to their homes at all times.
Ocean Drive will be closed just north of Fourth Avenue, Avalon, no traffic will be permitted to travel north beyond that point due to the construction staging area. 
Pedestrian access will not be permitted beyond that point including the portion of the adjacent seawall.
Fishing on the bridge and along the adjacent seawall within the project limits will be prohibited due to safety concerns.
No vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians will be permitted to enter beyond the staging area at the south end of the bridge.
An ongoing bridge railing project at the northerly (Sea Isle City) portion of the bridge will prevent vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians from entering the northerly bridge approach.
Work hours will generally be from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday with Saturday work beginning Sept. 29. 
Depending upon the progress of the project, the contractor may be working double shifts from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. starting in October. 
The demolition of the bridge spans is expected to begin Sept. 28 with the first three spans and pier 2 expected to be removed by Oct. 4. 
Boaters are urged to stay clear of the various barges that will be on site for the construction activities.