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Bridge Commission reports progress on county bridge projects; Ocean City–Longport fishing pier readied for June ribbon-cutting
Summary
Project Manager Jason Futrell reported multiple bridge upgrades in progress: the Ocean City–Longport fishing pier is substantially complete with a June 5 ribbon-cutting; Townsends Inlet fender work nearly finished; Grassy Sound plans submitted; Middle Thorofare advanced through preliminary engineering with a BUILD application filed.
At the May 28, 2026 meeting of the Cape May County Bridge Commission, Project Manager Jason Futrell briefed commissioners on the status of several capital projects across the county.
Ocean City–Longport Bridge: Futrell reported the fishing pier project is substantially complete. Remaining work includes timber guide rail installation, anticipated the week of June 1, and wall painting scheduled for the week of May 26. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.
Townsends Inlet Bridge: Fender systems are substantially complete; only ladder installation and minor punch-list items remain. Futrell added that new submarine cables have been ordered.
Grassy Sound Bridge: Michael Baker International delivered rehabilitation plans and specifications for the GS superstructure rehabilitation on Feb. 11, 2026. Michael Baker is preparing an updated engineer’s estimate while funding options are explored.
Middle Thorofare Bridge / Ocean Drive (CR 621) improvements: Property-owner meetings have commenced and updated right-of-way impact plans were completed May 19. A May 12 workshop focused on utility relocation and roadway/barrier considerations. In a May 21 progress meeting staff reported the project advanced through preliminary engineering and environmental coordination, including submission of a BUILD application and completion of Phase 1 borings; coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and NJDEP is ongoing, and additional public outreach meetings are planned for Summer 2026.
Equipment and systems: The commission reported receipt of a new motor on March 3, 2026; TCS will verify dimensions with installation anticipated in October 2026. Interlocking work was completed May 21 while TCS was on site. The new east gate has been received and will be installed following preparatory work. Futrell said new OSI E‑ZPass scanners remain slated for replacement but installation is awaiting GFI availability; the tolling system overall is reported to be functioning properly.
Other items: Hardesty & Hanover presented local bridge replacement alternatives to the County Commissioners on April 28; the U.S. Coast Guard completed an initial review of project initiation materials on May 5 and returned follow-up questions that were addressed by the consultant. The county is attempting to schedule a meeting with the Coast Guard to discuss the project further. The commission also noted a change order to Michael Baker International’s professional engineering services contract for Ocean Drive upgrades was approved at the May 26 County Commissioners meeting.
Next steps listed in the minutes include additional public outreach in Summer 2026 and further coordination with federal and state agencies for permitting and funding.
