Canal Bridge Closed To Marine Traffic In Point Pleasant

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — The Loveland Town Bridge over the Point Pleasant Canal is not opening for marine traffic until Sunday because of the effects of the extreme heat.

The state Department of Transportation said the bridge, which was taken out of service for marine traffic on Tuesday because the excessive heat has caused the expansion of some components on the bridge.

The expansion prevents the bridge from opening to allow marine traffic to pass. In the closed position, the bridge has 30 feet of clearance over mean high water. Vessels that can transit safely under the bridge may do so.

Vehicle traffic will still be able to travel over the bridge, the NJDOT said.

The United States Coast Guard has been notified, and NJDOT is using waterway dynamic message sign boards to alert boaters. All surrounding bridges will also notify boaters when they call for openings.

The closure is expected to last until 7 a.m. on Sunday, when the weather is expected to improve.

If the heat eases sooner, the bridge may resume normal operations for marine traffic sooner.