Cape May County will resume reconstruction in mid-September on the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge along Avalon Boulevard.
The work includes the rehabilitation of the existing deteriorated concrete deck, structural steel, new guiderails and other improvements to the bridge, the county announced Tuesday.
Last winter and spring, the first stage of the project included the re-decking of the eastbound lane.
This stage of the work involves rehabilitation of the westbound lane. The existing concrete deck will be removed either fully or partially by the hydro-demolition process.
The deck along six of the spans will be replaced entirely, and the remaining 17 spans will consist of a partial replacement. The bridge deck will then be resurfaced using high-performance concrete to give motorists a smooth ride, according to a county news release.
Work is expected to begin the week of Sept. 14. At that time, the contractor will install a temporary barrier curb on the bridge centerline to separate the work zone from the travel lane.
Construction will proceed through the winter and into the spring. The project has a completion date of June 18, 2021.
The existing eastbound travel lane will provide access for alternating traffic. A temporary traffic signal will be installed at each approach to the bridge to alternate traffic across the bridge.
The traffic signal will be equipped with a digital display panel showing the time remaining until the signal changes to green for waiting traffic. The temporary signal operation and one lane of travel access will begin the week of Sept. 14 and continue until April 30, 2021, at which time the bridge will be opened to two-way traffic permanently, according to the release.
Motorists are advised to use care while driving through the construction zone. They should also expect delays due to the lane restriction and use of a temporary traffic signal.
Due to weather uncertainties, the contractor may opt to work long days, nights and weekends. There will be designated nights when the bridge will be completely closed to traffic to allow for required construction access. Advance notice of such closures will be provided by the county.
