Townsends Inlet Bridge closed indefinitely

Barge hits bridge in rough weather

Nov, 12-2009 12:41 pm

AVALON —Avalon Police reported on Wednesday evening, Nov. 11, that the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will be closed indefinitely due to an accident involving a barge.  The bridge is owned and operated by the Cape May County Bridge Commission.
According to Avalon police, a barge came loose from its secure anchor and struck the bridge during high winds and heavy surf.  The barge is the “PKF Mark 3” out of Newtown Square, Pa.
There is some structural damage to the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge, causing the bridge to be closed until further notice.
Avalon Police have been told that engineers are expected to inspect the damage on the bridge sometime on Thursday during this nor’easter storm.  There is no word on how long the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge will be closed to traffic.
Motorists who want to access Avalon from Sea Isle City are advised to take Route 9 or the Garden State Parkway southbound to Avalon Boulevard, and head east on Avalon Boulevard to Avalon.