Officials: Townsend's Inlet Bridge to remain closed through ‘late summer'

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (FOX 29) - The Townsend's Inlet Bridge that connects Avalon and Sea Isle City in New Jersey will not be open in time for Memorial Day, officials annouced Monday.

The bridge isn't expected to be ready until late summer.

Crews have been working to replace several spans on the 80-year-old bridge, as well as add new pilings and railings. During inspection, officials say repair crews found additional problems.

The 1,373-foot bridge was closed in April 2018 for emergency repairs to railings and in 2017 after an underwater inspection of bridge pilings found structural damage.

Now, officials say crews found additional problems during inspection.

The county was previously interested in replacing the bridge, but such an undertaking could cost as much as $155 million.

Ordinarily, the bridge allows drivers to get from shore to shore in three minutes. With the detour, the trip takes around 20 minutes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.