TOMS RIVER – The Mathis Bridge/Route 37 eastbound will be closed overnight for roughly the next two weeks while the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) conduct final testing of the lift span components, announced NJDOT officials.
The bridge will be closed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next morning, Monday through Saturday, for up to two weeks.
During this time, traffic will be shifted onto the Tunney Bridge/Route 37 westbound. According to NJDOT, “this shift will close Route 37 at the intersection of Douglas Street just before the Mathis Bridge. Traffic will be shifted back onto Route 37 eastbound after crossing the Tunney Bridge near Catalina Avenue on Pelican Island. The jughandle to turn onto Douglas Street in Toms River will remain open.”
The traffic shift began on Monday, September 23.
Although the Mathis Bridge will be closed for testing each night, one lane of traffic westbound and one lane eastbound will be maintained on the Tunney Bridge, separated by construction drums.
“By 6 a.m. each morning, both bridges will be restored to three lanes,” stated NJDOT.
