Ocean Drive Bridges Scrutinized

WILDWOOD CREST ─ Life on barrier islands poses challenges in all areas of life. Hurricanes and nor’easters can force evacuations, requiring bridges to be safe and adequate for traffic.
Bridges also provide a way for tourists to enjoy Cape May County, bringing revenue to the islands.
Bridges are veins running through the county’s anatomy. Without proper attention and care, results could be serious.
Joseph Romano, associate vice president of Michael Baker International, explained to Wildwood Crest residents the importance and scope of the Ocean Drive project May 3.
The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO), along with Cape May County and the state Department of Transportation, is “undertaking a Local Concept Development Study (LCD) for proposed roadway upgrades and bridge improvements along the Ocean Drive causeway in Lower Township.”
Ocean Drive links the communities of Cape May and the Wildwoods, including three bridges spanning Mill Creek, Upper Thorofare, and Middle Thorofare.
Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster explained that a previous study began in 1999 but was terminated. Now private, state, and county agencies begin again.
During a PowerPoint presentation, Romano gave an overview of the “operational and structural deficiencies” of the bridges.
Romano stressed that the bridges are safe, having survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Winter Storm Jonas in 2016.
“We’re following the federal process,” Romano said. The concept development stage will conclude in 2019 before moving into the design phase.
As local leaders and stakeholders are consulted, the two options are retro-fitting present structures or new construction. 
Supervising structural engineer Miguel Santiago said, “All three bridges were originally built in 1939.”
Seventy nine years’ worth of changes in code and size of vehicles have come and gone since 1939, rendering bridges “functionally obsolete.”
Romano assured residents that “bridge terms” do not mean that the bridges are unsafe. Ongoing maintenance and inspections ensure the bridges’ continued safety for motorists and pedestrians. 
Santiago clarified common structural terms.
Functionally obsolete means standards that are not used today. Therefore, the bridges along Ocean Drive are not “automatically rated as structurally deficient, nor are they inherently unsafe.”
For example, the Middle Thorofare Bridge was not designed for trucks over 15 tons. Cracks and spalling (potholes) also cause concerns, along with the width of the bridges.
Marty Wade explained the traffic pattern study being conducted. Marine traffic forms a large part of the study; fishing vessels and other boats require the present drawbridge.
Crashes on Ocean Drive, according to Wade, are higher than the statewide crash rate. Rear-end accidents and hitting fixed objects are the result of narrow shoulders.
Pedestrians and cyclists also have needs to use the bridges for recreational purposes during “peak” summer months.
“We cannot design in a vacuum,” Wade said. Environmental aspects (wetlands) and utilities (i.e., South Jersey Gas, Atlantic City Electric, water lines, and Verizon) also a play a role.
Debbie Hartman concluded the presentation by announcing two additional public meetings to be held in the summer and fall.
A community impact survey may be filled out along with more information at www.capemaytwomilebridge.com.
Alternative solutions are being considered along with elevation concerns due to the floodplain.
Team members answered several questions regarding the timeline, explaining that each phase takes approximately two years.
“We are ramping up maintenance,” Foster said.
According to Foster, licensed engineer divers perform underwater inspections every two years along with routine maintenance above the water.
“The bridges are completely safe,” Romano told the Herald.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.