Update: Shark River Bridge Reopened to Traffic

Update, 3:45 p.m.: The Shark River Bridge has been reopened to all traffic.

Update, 12 p.m.: The Shark River Bridge is currently open to marine traffic after county crews diagnosed a problem that kept the bridge nonoperational for hours this morning.

“We have determined the cause of the problem and are working to get the bridge back into regular operation,” John W. Tobia, director of Monmouth County Public Works and Engineering, said. “We anticipate that the bridge will reopen to vehicle and pedestrian traffic by the end of the day.”

The problem lies in the bridge's locking mechanism, according to a release from Monmouth County.

Original brief:

The Shark River Bridge is currently closed as local officials and the Coast Guard work to discern what's wrong with it.

The span from Avon and Belmar has been nonoperational since 7:30 a.m., with it being stuck in the down position and closed to all traffic, according to a release from Monmouth County.

“We are working to diagnose the bridge problem at this time,” John W. Tobia, director of Monmouth County Public Works and Engineering said. “After the assessment is made, we will be able to determine the nature of the repair and how long it may take return the bridge to regular operation.”

DPW and Monmouth Engineering crews are on the scene trying to diagnose the issue. The Coast Guard also has been notified, as has the county's on-call bridge repair contractor.

Motorists should use Route 71 to cross the Shark River Inlet.