The End is Near for the Beesleys Point Bridge

The long, disputed future of the Beesleys Point Bridge finally appears to be clear, with plans announced Tuesday to demolish the span beginning this June. The work to dismantle the bridge expected to be completed by years' end.

The bridge, constructed privately by the Ocean City Automobile Club in 1927, carried Rt. 9 over the Great Egg Harbor Bay, connecting Upper Township, in Cape May County to Somers Point in Atlantic County.

Prior to 1955, the bridge also carried the Garden State Parkway over the Great Egg Harbor Bay. When the Parkway completed its own bridge over the bay, each had its own alignment with the Garden State Parkway using the Great Egg Harbor Bridge.

The Beesleys Point Bridge was closed in 2004 due to structural problems and ever since its future has been debated, with several plans to restore the span all being found to be too costly.

Although locals often point to the importance of the bridge in event of an emergency evacuation of Cape May County, a decision now seems definite to demolish the structure as part of a $230 million agreement with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

The contract also includes construction of a new southbound section of the Garden State Parkway Bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay.

For me, the drive to Cape May will never be the same without seeing the Beesleys Point Bridge along the way.  What are your feelings about the demolition of the bridge?  Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.