Townsends Inlet Bridge reopens with no tolls until Monday

NEW JERSEY - The Townsends Inlet Bridge, which connects Avalon and Sea Isle City in New Jersey, reopened Thursday after a lengthy construction project. The bridge allows drivers to get from shore-to-shore in three minutes. 

Dave Reynolds has been working the toll booth for six years. The reopening was memorable for him. 

"It was quite a party. The atmosphere and all the people coming over here horns blowing and cheering. I just like to give them a little wave and everybody waves back," Reynold said.

The bridge was scheduled to reopen by Memorial Day but delays pushed the date back. Crews replaced several spans on the 80-year-old bridge, along with new piling and railing. Residents on both sides of the bridge say it will also be nice to get back to supporting local businesses affected by the closure.  

There will be no tolls collected to cross the bridge throughout the weekend. Toll collection will resume on Monday.