Replacement of two old bridges estimated at about $200 million each

A newly updated concept study indicates that there are no quick or cheap fixes to replace two of Cape May County’s most antiquated bridges dating to the 1930s and 1940s.

The Local Concept Development analysis estimates it would take seven to 10 years to replace the Townsends Inlet Bridge and the Corsons Inlet Bridge at an approximate cost of about $200 million each.

Both bridges are crucial parts of the county’s transportation network that links the seashore communities from Ocean City to Cape May along the coast-hugging Ocean Drive. Both spans are toll bridges operated by the Cape May County Bridge Commission.

A representative of the engineering firm Hardesty & Hanover presented the latest findings of the Local Concept Development plan during an April 28 meeting of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, the elected body that oversees the county government.

The ongoing study, initiated in March 2025 and federally funded through a Bridge Planning Grant, is looking for ways to address critical structural deficiencies, enhance safety and ensure reliable transportation links along Ocean Drive for residents, visitors and boat traffic.

“These bridge replacements are essential investments in the safety and connectivity that define Cape May County,” Board of Commissioners Director Leonard Desiderio said in a news release Tuesday. “Our residents and the thousands of visitors who rely on Ocean Drive each summer deserve modern, reliable infrastructure.”

“By advancing these federally supported projects through a thoughtful, community-focused process, we are ensuring long-term mobility, supporting local businesses and tourism, protecting the environment, and honoring our commitment to sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Desiderio continued.

According to an engineering analysis by Hardesty & Hanover, it would cost an estimated $190 million to $230 million each to replace the Corsons Inlet Bridge and Townsends Inlet Bridge.

    The Corsons Inlet Bridge connects Ocean City with Strathmere.
  

The Corsons Inlet Bridge, built in 1948 and most recently rehabilitated in 2025, connects the Strathmere section of Upper Township with Ocean City to the north. It carries an average daily traffic of 4,264 vehicles during peak summer months.

The structure features a drawbridge that has been inoperable since December 2013 due to deterioration of the lifting mechanism.  The navigational clearance for boats passing underneath is limited to 15 feet vertically and 50 feet horizontally, the county said.

Townsends Inlet Bridge, a drawbridge built in 1939 and most recently rehabilitated in 2019, connects Sea Isle City and Avalon. It is used by an average of 5,625 vehicles each day.

“The bridge’s overall condition is rated ‘poor’ due to superstructure section loss and pitting, substructure corrosion and collision damage, inadequate sight distance, lack of modern roadside protections, and the absence of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities. A high crash rate on the Sea Isle City approach further underscores the need for action,” according to the county news release.

The Townsends Inlet Bridge plan mirrors the purpose of the Corsons Inlet project: providing a safer, more efficient crossing. Objectives include modernizing the mechanical and electrical systems, correcting substandard design elements, accommodating navigation and addressing approach roadway safety, the release stated.

As part of the Local Concept Development study, a “preliminary preferred alternative” plan for replacing the two bridges is expected to be completed by December 2026. The plan will allow the projects to advance to the preliminary and then final engineering designs.

County officials emphasized that ongoing communication with stakeholders in Ocean City, Sea Isle City Upper Township and Avalon remains an ongoing priority.

    Traffic passes through the toll plaza on the Townsends Inlet Bridge.
  

Funding is not yet available for the bridge replacement projects. The county has indicted that it hopes to secure federal and state grants.

With replacement of both bridges at least seven to 10 years away, the county has also considered shorter-term rehabilitation projects costing about $50 million.

However, Hardesty & Hanover has characterized the need for new bridges as “urgent” because routine maintenance can no longer address the age-related deterioration of both spans, the release said.