Free Shuttle Service Announced for Route 71 Bridge Users
AVON-BY-THE-SEA, NJ—The Route 71 bridge over the Shark River, connecting Avon and Belmar, has been inoperable since early March due to being stuck in the open position. In response, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced a free shuttle service for those affected by the disruption.
Starting Wednesday morning, the shuttle will operate between the business districts of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea. This service will continue until the bridge is repaired, providing a vital connection for commuters and residents of the two communities.
On Friday March 1, the Route 71 Bridge over Shark River experienced a mechanical failure resulting in significant damage to the machinery of the North Bridge leaf. At this time, the movable bridge is nonoperational.
NJDOT is actively working to design a permanent repair as quickly as possible. The bridge will remain in the fully-open position to allow all marine traffic to pass through until the emergency repairs are complete, which is expected to take several months.