Construction on the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge from Toms River to Seaside Heights will start in November and cause closures.

(photo: NJDOT)
(photo: NJDOT)
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According to officials, the project is expected to last through 2018! Traffic will be "channeled" from the Mathis Bridge to the Tunney Bridge, which carries traffic westbound. This will work using a series of crossovers.

The thought of two years of closures is enough to freak you out a little. Luckily, long term lane closures will be limited to Nov. 1 to April 30 each year through 2018.

NJDOT says the $79 million project will accomplish the following:

  • The replacement of the deck in the moveable span, flanking spans and the approach spans.
  • Safety improvements to the barrier and warning gates and railings.
  • Substructure and structural steel repairs.
  • Bearing replacement and some painting.
  • Mechanical and electrical rehabilitation of the machinery and controls.

The Mathis Bridge was originally built in 1950.

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