Wildwood Crest Bridge Closed Due to Motor Failure

The Middle Thorofare Bridge, a key route connecting Wildwood Crest to Lower Township/Cape May, has been shut down due to a motor failure, with no immediate timeline for reopening.

The bridge, which has been a crucial link since it was built in 1940, suddenly became inoperable, leading to significant traffic and navigation disruptions.

Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera shared the latest on the situation, stating, “There is no timeline on reopening at this time. It could be an extended period of time. If you plan to travel south toward Cape May, Lower, or Garden State Parkway (or north into Lower and Wildwood Crest), you will need to drive around or take alternate routes.”

This closure is likely to have a big impact, especially during the busy summer months when tourists flood the area to hit the beaches of Wildwood, Cape May, and beyond.

Those who usually rely on the Middle Thorofare Bridge will need to find alternative routes, such as the George Redding Bridge or the Grassy Sound Bridge, to get where they’re going.

To not impact the fisheries, the bridge will be locked in the open position. Anyone traveling the Intracoastal Waterway will be able to pass through the bridge with no issue.

The Middle Thorofare Bridge has been a concern for local officials for years due to its age and the ongoing need for repairs.

With this latest motor failure, questions are likely to resurface about the future of the bridge and whether a replacement or major overhaul is in the cards.

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Back in 2018, it was first revealed that the county was working on plans to replace the Middle Thorofare Bridge.

The proposed replacement for the aging Middle Thorofare Bridge envisions a modern, fixed bridge that would extend 2,700 feet across the waterway, significantly enhancing the current infrastructure.

The new design calls for an impressive elevation of 80 feet, which would not only accommodate larger vessels passing underneath but also eliminate the need for frequent drawbridge operations.

The bridge would also feature an 80-foot-wide horizontal clearance, ensuring smooth navigation for maritime traffic.

This ambitious project aims to provide a more reliable and efficient crossing for both vehicular and boat traffic, addressing long-standing concerns about the bridge’s aging structure and frequent maintenance issues. aka it won’t have given us any issues when motor problems.

This was part of a $250 million project called the Ocean Drive Upgrades and Bridge Improvements project.

The project involves the construction of two low-level bridges, the Mill Creek Bridge and the Upper Thorofare Bridge, alongside the Middle Thorofare Bridge. These are all of the bridges that connect Cape May to Wildwood Crest.

Bids for this project were supposed to be sent out this summer. So far, there is no word on whether they have hit the application deadline.