The aging Route 36 bridge in Long Branch, New Jersey, will be closed beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, to allow demolition and construction of a new span. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the bridge will remain out of service through 2027 while a $7.9 million replacement structure is built.
NJDOT officials indicated that the closure is required to safely remove the existing bridge and install the new construction. The project is classified as a major infrastructure effort aimed at updating a critical transportation link in the area. The agency expects the new bridge to meet modern standards and improve long‑term reliability for motorists using Route 36.
The timeline set by NJDOT projects a multi‑year schedule, with demolition work commencing immediately after the September 14 closure and the new bridge construction extending into the following year. Funding for the $7.9 million project has been allocated as part of state transportation budgets, reflecting the priority placed on replacing aging structures.
Local residents and commuters have been informed that the bridge will not be usable during the construction period. NJDOT has not released additional details regarding detour routes or traffic management, but the agency typically coordinates such measures for projects of this scale. The agency’s communication emphasizes that the temporary inconvenience is intended to result in a safer and more efficient crossing once completed.
The replacement of the Route 36 bridge aligns with broader state initiatives to modernize aging infrastructure across New Jersey. By addressing the condition of the bridge now, NJDOT aims to avoid more extensive repairs or disruptions in the future. The project underscores the ongoing commitment to maintain essential roadways and support the mobility needs of the Long Branch community.
When the new bridge opens, it will serve as a modernized conduit for local and regional traffic, completing a significant upgrade that began with the decision to close the old structure in September 2026.