Since early March, the bridge between Belmar and Avon has been stuck in the upward position. The Department of Transportation says that there was a mechanical failure causing the bridge to not open for marine traffic, causing boaters to be stranded and businesses to be slow. 

Stranded fishing boat captain, Alan Shinn said to CBS News, “I was three and a half hours out in the ocean trying to find a place to go.” 

Because marine traffic has the right of way, crews figured out a way to open the bridge for boats, but is now stuck in the open position. This in turn, closed the bridge to motorists. The bridge on Rt. 35 is a detour not far from the area that has a higher bridge over Shark River that also allows marine traffic underneath. On the other hand, businesses around the area are not very happy. Sales are down 25%-45% at times, say store owners. 

“When you take the detour, you get off right here at eighth, and it comes the other way, you don’t even go by the shop. We aren’t getting any stopping traffic anymore,” said Julie Walworth, manager of Main Street Donuts in Belmar to CBS News. 

Kevin Doyle, manager of Jersey Mikes added, “This is a major thoroughfare. Summer’s our time to really, to shine here. It’s when we make all of our money, so it’s really going to impede on a lot of business” 

Parts for the 92-year-old bridge are hard to come by. Traffic advisory says that NJDOT is working on a permanent fix as quickly as possible, but the precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather and other factors.