No More Toll on Downbeach Express

Many Downbeach residents heard of the Margate Bridge Company, now called the "Downbeach Express," charging them to re-enter the island following Hurricane Sandy.  When word spread about the toll, not only downbeach residents but people all over South Jersey began to post on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to express their disgust

The ban on travel to the barrier islands Longport and Margate were lifted but the Downbeach Express was the only way to get in, that's when the privately owned bridge began to charge to get back on the island.

We are proud to announce that, thanks in part to a Facebook post made by sister station WPG Talk Radio 1450′s morning host Harry Hurley, the toll on the Downbeach Express is being temporarily dropped for the rest of tonight (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday, November 2nd).

Atlantic County Freeholder Alex Marino heard of the post Thursday night and got in touch with Downbeach Express owner Roger Hansen after hearing complaints about the tolls.

A message posted on the bridges website: www.downbeachexpress.com stated:

Downbeach Express is OPEN and travelers to
the island can cross FREE of charge through November 3rd at 6:00pm.

All tolls that were collected on Thursday, November 1st will be donated to the Red Cross for the hurricane disaster relief effort.

The travel ban has been lifted for Margate City, Longport and Brigantine. Atlantic City and Ventnor City remain under the mandatory evacuation order. The towns released from the evacuation order will continue to operate under the 6:00pm - 6:00am curfews.