AVALON – The Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will be closed from 7 p.m., Feb. 15, through 5 a.m., Feb. 16, to relocate the concrete construction barrier curb and temporary traffic signal system for the next phase of work under the Bridge Railing Replacement project. The work area will move from the Sea Isle City end of the bridge to the Avalon end.
When traffic is permitted on the bridge at 5 a.m. Feb. 16, the southbound lane will continue to be closed to traffic and alternating traffic will be maintained in the northbound lane by the temporary traffic signal system. No tolls will be collected when the bridge is reduced to one lane of traffic.
The project involves the removal of the existing deteriorated steel bridge railing and the installation of a new standard steel 4-bar railing system on most of the bridge. The railing in two spans were replaced under a previous construction contract.
To install the new rail system, a portion of the existing concrete deck in the area of each rail post is removed and new reinforcement steel and concrete is placed. This is the same railing system that was installed on the Corson’s Inlet Bridge in 2012.
The project is divided into four phases. The construction is now moving into the second phase. The movable span, which is required to open upon demand from a marine vessel, is not impacted by the construction of this project.
Variable message signs advising motorists of the bridge work have already been put into place and will remain in place for the duration of the project.
The work area is separated from the travel lane by a concrete construction barrier. Unfortunately, due to the narrow width of the existing bridge, the one lane of traffic being maintained on the bridge will only be 10 feet in width, thus there is no room for error. The one-lane operation for traffic is expected to run until June 2018. Motorists are requested to drive with care when passing through the construction zone.
This work is part of the county’s $2,678,715 construction contract awarded by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders to Thomas Barry Marine Construction, Inc., South Dennis, Sept. 12, 2017. The construction operations are being overseen by Remington & Vernick Engineers, Haddonfield.
Questions may be directed to Cape May County Public Works Department at 609-465-1035.
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