The Cape May County Board of Commissioners is drafting a request for federal assistance to fund the replacement of three bridges along Ocean Drive. The proposal, prepared in 2026, aims to secure millions of dollars to address the aging structures and maintain safe travel for motorists.
The three bridges, identified as critical components of the Ocean Drive corridor, have shown signs of wear that threaten their long‑term reliability. County officials say that replacing the bridges is essential to ensure continued safety and to prevent future disruptions to traffic flow in the region.
The effort to obtain federal money is still in its preliminary phase. The project began nearly two years ago, and the board is now moving forward with a formal pitch to the appropriate federal agencies. While the exact amount of funding being sought has not been disclosed, officials emphasize that the request will target a multi‑million‑dollar allocation.
County leaders have highlighted the importance of the bridges to both local residents and visitors who rely on Ocean Drive as a primary route. By securing the necessary resources, the county hopes to begin construction on the new structures once approval is granted, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall roadway conditions.
The Board of Commissioners plans to present the funding request later this year, with the goal of advancing the project to the next stage of planning and design. If successful, the replacement of the three bridges would represent a significant infrastructure investment for Cape May County, addressing safety concerns and supporting the continued use of a key transportation artery.
The initiative reflects the county’s broader commitment to maintaining its transportation network and responding to the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, a concern shared by many municipalities across the state.