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Cape May County reviews Michael Baker plan to replace Middle Thorofare Bridge on Ocean Drive
Summary
County Engineer and Michael Baker International presented a preliminary preferred design for the Ocean Drive (CR621) Middle Thorofare Bridge that would raise roadways to 100-year flood standards, add an 80-foot navigation clearance and a multi-use path; preliminary engineering is expected to finish in August 2027.
County Engineer Robert Church introduced representatives from Michael Baker International on June 23 to present the preliminary preferred design for the Ocean Drive (CR621) Upgrades and Middle Thorofare Bridge replacement to the Board of County Commissioners.
The firm described a design that raises roadways to meet 100-year flood standards, includes an 80-foot navigation clearance over the channel, and adds a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path alongside the roadway. Engineers said they selected steel girders for the span over the navigational channel to improve navigation, reduce construction complexity and limit environmental impacts. The design materials also describe roadway improvements near adjacent properties and a roundabout option at a nearby intersection as part of the overall corridor plan.
Michael Baker representatives told the Board that the design has been developed through coordination with local property owners and commercial fishing stakeholders as well as federal and state agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The firm described completed environmental studies, upcoming water borings and permitting steps, and plans to minimize disruption to adjacent property access during construction. They also walked the Board through traffic-maintenance strategies for the construction period.
Robert Church noted the preliminary engineering phase is expected to conclude around August 2027, with final design anticipated to begin in 2028. Commissioners asked technical questions during the presentation; Church and the Michael Baker team answered and agreed to share the presentation materials with the Board. Presentation slides and related materials are available on the county website at capemaycountynj.gov.
The project remains in preliminary engineering; the county and consultants will continue agency permitting, environmental work and public outreach before returning with final design recommendations and schedule updates.
