Bridge Closed Indefinitely That Connects The Wildwoods to Cape May, New Jersey

There are a total of 11 Bridges that connect Ocean Drive Highway from the City of Cape May to Absecon Island.

For decades, South Jersey Locals and Vacationers have been using this series of bridges that allows people from Ventnor, Margate, and Atlantic City to drive along the coast on the way to Cape May.

But one bridge connecting The Wildwoods to Cape May Island is closed indefinitely. The Middle Thorofare Bridge, which directly connects the Diamond Beach section of The Wildwoods to Lower Township, started having engineering issues on Saturday, August 17th.

What Is Going On With This Important Bridge in South Jersey?

According to a Press Release from the Cape May County Bridge Commission, the bridge will be closed indefinitely while they review all options of how to fix the problem. Here is part of their statement on the bridge closure:

"The bridge has a total failure of the drive shaft motor used to open the bridge on demand...The bridge electrical engineers performed many tests, concluding that the motor was inoperable and irreparable.
The Bridge Commission is currently reviewing all options available both nationally and globally to source this highly specialized motor with the goal of replacement as soon as possible, with the best-case scenario is it taking many weeks.
The Middle Thorofare Bridge will remain in the up position as vessels have the right of way, the commercial fishing industry needs ocean and dock access."

Those traveling to and from Cape May and Wildwood can no longer use Ocean Drive Highway for "many weeks". Residents and Vacationers in Cape May are recommended to use Garden State Parkway North to Exit 4 and enter The Wildwoods via Rio Grande Boulevard.

If you are a resident or vacationer in The Wildwoods, you can use Rio Grande Boulevard to connect to either Garden State Parkway South or Route 9 South to reach the City of Cape May.

One of the most popular Resort Towns in the United States is the southernmost town in New Jersey.  Cape May has so much to offer visitors and here are some of the top attractions in the historic Coastal Community: