Letter to the Editor: Manasquan Mayor Discusses Glimmer Glass Bridge Closure and Future Plans

Information from Mayor George Dempsey regarding Brielle Road and the Glimmer Glass Bridge closure

Dear Manasquan Residents,

As a result of damage caused by an overweight vehicle, the Glimmer Glass Bridge has been closed. Although Monmouth County owns and operates the Glimmer Glass Bridge, Borough officials have been in constant communication with officials from the County.

Brielle Road

The lack of bridge access has left the properties along and intersecting Brielle Road with accessibility issues. Elevating the crown of the road to provide improved accessibility is a costly undertaking. Since October 2012, the Borough of Manasquan has submitted several grant applications and requests for funding at all levels of government for this project. We are currently working with the County Office of Emergency Management for financial assistance.

In the meantime, Maser Engineering surveyed the area with the mobile LiDAR unit on August 22. This enhanced technology provides the most accurate survey information. With this information the borough will be able address Brielle Road’s resurfacing.

Monmouth County Emergency Temporary Bridge Relief

After several meetings and field inspections, the County will be providing temporary emergency relief measures to allow the bridge to become operable again. However, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection officials are requiring the County to submit a CAFRA permit prior to proceeding with any construction. County officials estimate that the bridge will be operable by Memorial Day of 2015. Prior to this construction, Monmouth County officials have indicated that they will allow for safe passage for pedestrians and bicycles.

A New Glimmer Glass Bridge

In the meantime, the County will be moving forward with the construction of a new bridge. The bridge is listed on the national registry as a historical site. Therefore it requires federal regulation compliance and other environmental permitting. The time frame for approval is expected be 3 to 5 years. Prior to the bridge closure, plans have already been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The County is expecting final comments from NJDOT shortly.

On August 18,, the Mayor and Council, reaffirmed and strengthened its consent for Monmouth County to proceed with the reconstruction of a new bridge. (see link)

Request for Assistance
We need your help. We are asking Manasquan Residents and property owners to support our efforts to secure grant funds for Brielle Road.

Additionally, we are asking you to support our resolution for a new Glimmer Glass Bridge. Below you will contact information for your county and state officials.

A Glimmer Glass Bridge power point presentation in electronic format from the County can be found at: http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/30/2008GlmmerGlss_%20publicinfoweb.pdf

Sincerely,
Mayor George Dempsey

Contact Monmouth County Freeholders:

To email: https://co.monmouth.nj.us/FreeholderContact.aspx

or by mail:

Monmouth County Hall of Records
One East Main Street
PO Box 1255
Freehold NJ 07728
732-431-7387

Governor - State of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

To email: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/

or by mail:

Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000

State Legislative Representatives – District 30 (includes Manasquan)
Senator Robert Singer
Assemblyman David Rible
Assemblyman Sean Kean

To email: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectRep.asp

or by mail:

1955 Highway 34, Bldg. 2A,
Wall Township, NJ 07719
(732) 974-0400

U.S. Congress
Congressman Chris Smith
112 Village Center Drive
Freehold, NJ 07728
(732)780-3035
chrissmithhouse.gov

Here are previous articles Patch has posted regarding the ongoing repairs and closure to Glimmer Glass Bridge:

http://patch.com/new-jersey/manasquan-belmar/glimmer-glass-bridge-closed-emergency-repair#.VAhtCfldURc

http://patch.com/new-jersey/manasquan-belmar/glimmer-glass-bridge-manasquan-closed-after-overweight-vehicle-damages#.VAht4_ldURc