VENTNOR – The scaffolding went up this week around the bridge tender tower on the Dorset Avenue bridge and work is underway to get the historic county-owned bridge spruced up before the start of the summer season.
Mayor Tim Kriebel contacted Atlantic County government about upgrading look of the historic bascule bridge last fall after the city learned it was the recipient of a $960,000 grant to complete a streetscape improvement project in the Ventnor Heights Commercial District.
Dorset Avenue is a county road and the bridge, which has been repaired numerous times over the last several years due to its age, is owned and operated by the county.
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said there is no plan to replace the bridge at this time, which could cost as much as $85 million.
The bridge was rehabilitated in 1994 but has experienced periodic mechanical and electrical issues over the years due to its age and the effects of salt water on the steel structure. It is one of very few remaining drawbridges left in the state, which makes it difficult to find replacement parts. When parts are needed and cannot be found, new specifications must be developed, and new parts must be programmed into modern electronic systems, he said.
The county recently replaced the control system along with mechanical, structural and electrical systems. Levinson said the county also wanted to improve the bridge’s visual aesthetics with power washing, routine cleanup and maintenance.
Kriebel said the cosmetic repairs would include removing some mold on the stucco portions, which will be painted tan, along with painting the bridge the same color blue, and trim painted in a dark bronze color.
“The bronze light fixtures will all be repaired so they will all work at the same time” he said.
Kriebel said he would like to carry the aesthetics of the bridge into the grant-funded streetscape redesign that’s yet to be developed.
The streetscape grant to improve the “Gateway to Ventnor” between the bridge and Balfour Avenue, was funded through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program, a federal program administered locally through the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization. The program provides federal funds for non-traditional surface transportation projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system, such as those benefiting pedestrians, bicyclists, create safe routes to schools and more.
Improvements will include new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveway aprons, trees and landscape plants, flexible bollards, traffic signage, benches and bicycle racks to create a more walkable and bike-friendly environment.
Kriebel, a designer by trade, said it would be nice to see light fixtures on the bridge replicated for the streetlights.
“I’m not the designer, but it would be nice to coordinate metal finishes in the new streetscape design,” he said.
Kriebel thanked Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and the county for their cooperation on this shared roadway.
“This type of intergovernmental collaboration allows us to deliver meaningful, visible improvements to our community,” Kriebel said.
