County To Host Bridge Improvement Information Session

Chadwick Beach Island Bridge. (Photo courtesy North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority)
Chadwick Beach Island Bridge. (Photo courtesy North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority)

TOMS RIVER – The public is invited to attend an informational meeting about Chadwick Beach Island Bridge 4-7 p.m. July 29 in the Mancini Room at the main branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St.

A brief presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m.

The bridge connects Chadwick Beach Island with the main barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, and is the only access to the 360 homes on the island.

The existing all-timber structure was built in the 1950s. Its timber superstructure was replaced in 1985.

Although the bridge is rated in fair condition, there are signs of deterioration.

State and local authorities are working together to determine the best course for upgrading and improving the bridge.

“The public information centers are a integral part of the preliminary steps we need to take in order to get federal funding for this project and also to determine the best method to improve this span,” Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety, said. “We encourage residents, both year-round and seasonal, along with our officials and interested parties to attend and be a part of this important dialogue.”

For more information, visit chadwickbeachbridge.com.

Those unable to attend the meeting can fill out a community input survey on the website.