Mechanical glitch shuts Main Street bridge – Star News Group

AVON-BY-THE-SEA/BELMAR — The Route 71/Main Street drawbridge over Shark River connecting Belmar and Avon-By-The-Sea is closed indefinitely to vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to a mechanical failure. The channel remains open to marine traffic. 

The nearly century-old bridge, which was closed June 13 after a mechanical malfunction, is slated to be replaced by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) in a project expected to begin in 2028.

Currently, the bridge is being held open in the upright position to allow for marine traffic to pass through, as it is legally required to do. The bridge’s north leaf will be lowered and raised occasionally to help in minimizing stress and maintaining the functionality of bridge parts, according to NJDOT.

A timeline for…