One lane on the Ocean Drive, County Road No. 619, Bridge over Great Channel, the free bridge at the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed to traffic beginning on or about April 9th for the cleaning, repairing and recoating of the bridge railing system. During this first phase of work, the northbound lane will be closed for approximately 3 weeks. Traffic will use the remaining open lane on the bridge and will be controlled by a temporary traffic signal system.

The recoating of the railing project consists of power tool cleaning of corrosion and peeling paint areas on the railing and applying a 4-coat paint system. Prior to initiating the cleaning of the railing system, a containment system is installed to prevent any materials from entering the air or waterway. The paint system includes a spot sealer, spot epoxy coat, full epoxy coat and a full polyurethane topcoat. Prior to painting, some of the ends of the rails are to be repaired where corrosion has resulted in loss of rail section.

The contract includes the reconstruction of the concrete curbs in the span just to the north of the movable span. Also included are several structural repairs below the deck joints on the supporting stringers. The structural repairs involve the removal of portions of concrete diaphragms (transverse beams), installation of web plates on stringers (longitudinal beams) by bolting and reconstructing the concrete diaphragms.

Allied Painting typically work 10 hours a day and may work weekends if time is lost during the week due to inclement weather.

The project is divided into multiple phases and all work is expected to be completed by mid-June 2018. Because the movable span is required to open upon demand from a marine vessel beginning May 15th for the summer season, all work in the contract involving the movable span is to be completed prior to May 15th.

Variable message signs advising motorists of the bridge work will be installed on the approach roadways and will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Motorists are requested to drive with care when passing through the construction zone.

This work is part of the County’s $487,995.00 construction contract awarded by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders to Allied Painting, Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ on January 23, 2018. The construction operations are being overseen by Remington & Vernick Engineers, Haddonfield, NJ.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Cape May County Public Works Department at (609) 465-1035.