Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Dorset Avenue Reconstruction Postponed Until September

Atlantic County and Ventnor City officials jointly announced today that the reconstruction of the Dorset Avenue Bridge in Ventnor will be postponed until September to avoid any negative impact on the local economy during the busy summer tourist season.

Late last year a routine state inspection of the 80-year old bridge identified serious structural problems. The bridge was quickly stabilized and a three-ton weight limit was posted until permanent reconstruction could be completed. In an attempt to fast track the reconstruction, officials advertised a bid in March for the fabrication of replacement components with the intention to follow that with a bid for the installation of those materials prior to Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer tourist season. However, no bids were received. County and city officials attributed this to the tight schedule for completion of the bridge components. As a result, they agreed to postpone the work rather than to extend the time frame for completion beyond Memorial Day. The work will now be rebid as one package with construction to occur in late September.

"By postponing this work, we can provide more time for the pre-construction assembly of materials and ensure completion of construction within a three week time period," stated County Engineer Joseph D'Abundo. "This delay also ensures that construction will not occur during the height of the tourist season."

Ventnor City Administrator Drew McCrosson expressed his support for postponing the work. "While we are all in agreement that the bridge must be fixed and that its current weight limit restrictions are an inconvenience, it is reassuring to know that the county is sensitive to the fact that if construction were to be extended into the summer months it could be disruptive to residents, visitors and area businesses."

For more information, please contact Glen Mawby, Intergovernmental Liaison, at (609) 343-2229.

County News