Dorset Avenue Bridge Faces Major Delays and Costs for Repairs

VENTNOR HEIGHTS — The Dorset Avenue Bridge, which connects Ventnor Heights to Absecon Island, has been closed to boat traffic this summer due to mechanical issues. The county is now facing a long delay in resolving the situation, with repair or replacement costs expected to be significant. The bridge has been stuck in the down position due to a faulty system, and finding replacement parts has proven difficult. The county estimates that replacing the bridge would cost between $85 million and $100 million, with a lengthy construction period expected. The bridge’s historic design adds further complexity to the replacement process, as the project would involve environmental considerations, along with intricate mechanical, electrical, and software components. The difficulty in replacing the bridge, coupled with its aging structure, means that a full replacement would be a far more disruptive and costly undertaking than the current repair efforts. For now, larger boats traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway are unable to pass under the bridge. The county is working on securing parts for the existing system under an emergency contract, and long-term repairs are planned for the 2026 capital improvement plan. In the meantime, short-term maintenance work will focus on cleaning and power washing the bridge. Atlantic County maintains 194 bridges, with the Dorset Avenue Bridge being one of the oldest. While the inconvenience for the community is significant, the cost and disruption of a full replacement would be even greater.