It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Avon Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
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“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cavé Bistro or visit Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Advisories--None at this time.At the ShoreCurrent conditions and forecast as of Sat morningRip Current RiskLowWaves1 - 2 feetWindsFrom the West5 - 8 mph (Gust 10 mph)4 - 7 knots (Gust 9 knots)Ocean Temperature65° - 74°(Normal 63° - 69°)Air Temperature77° - 89°Sunrise/Sunset5:26am - 8:30pm...
--None at this time.
Current conditions and forecast as of Sat morning
| Rip Current Risk | Low |
|---|---|
| Waves | 1 - 2 feet |
| Winds | From the West5 - 8 mph (Gust 10 mph)4 - 7 knots (Gust 9 knots) |
| Ocean Temperature | 65° - 74°(Normal 63° - 69°) |
| Air Temperature | 77° - 89° |
| Sunrise/Sunset | 5:26am - 8:30pm |
| UV Index | 9 (Very High) |
MORE WEATHER: Dan Zarrow's 5 Day Forecast
| SANDY HOOKSandy Hook Bay | LowSat 10:41a | HighSat 4:55p | LowSat 11:42p | HighSun 5:26a | |
| LONG BRANCHAtlantic Ocean | LowSat 10:05a | HighSat 4:29p | LowSat 11:06p | HighSun 5:00a | |
| MANASQUAN INLETAtlantic Ocean | LowSat 10:17a | HighSat 4:43p | LowSat 11:18p | HighSun 5:14a | |
| SEASIDE HEIGHTSAtlantic Ocean | LowSat 10:09a | HighSat 4:25p | LowSat 11:10p | HighSun 4:56a | |
| SEASIDE PARKBarnegat Bay | HighSat 7:58a | LowSat 2:46p | HighSat 8:35p | LowSun 3:47a | |
| BARNEGAT INLETBarnegat Bay | LowSat 10:32a | HighSat 4:53p | LowSat 11:39p | HighSun 5:19a | |
| MANAHAWKIN BRIDGEManahawkin Bay | HighSat 7:05a | LowSat 2:20p | HighSat 7:42p | LowSun 3:21a | |
| LITTLE EGG INLETGreat Bay | HighSat 5:09a | LowSat 11:06a | HighSat 5:53p | LowSun 12:10a | |
| ATLANTIC CITYAtlantic Ocean | LowSat 10:09a | HighSat 4:40p | LowSat 11:13p | HighSun 5:06a | |
| OCEAN DRIVE BRIDGETownsends Inlet | LowSat 10:30a | HighSat 5:08p | LowSat 11:32p | HighSun 5:30a | |
| WILDWOOD CRESTAtlantic Ocean | LowSat 10:15a | HighSat 4:53p | LowSat 11:17p | HighSun 5:14a | |
| CAPE MAYDelaware Bay | HighSat 5:10a | LowSat 11:07a | HighSat 5:46p | LowSun 12:04a |
MORE TIDES: Info for 132 points along the NJ coast
From the National Weather Service, Mt. Holly
TODAY: SW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming S early this afternoon, then becoming SE 10 to 15 kt late. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 7 seconds.
TONIGHT: SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 7 seconds.
SUN: SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 5 seconds and E 1 foot at 8 seconds.
SUN NIGHT: SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt, becoming W 5 to 10 kt after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 6 seconds and E 1 foot at 9 seconds.
MON: NW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming SW in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 7 seconds.
MON NIGHT: SW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming W after midnight. Seas around 2 ft. Wave Detail: S 2 ft at 5 seconds and SE 1 foot at 8 seconds.
TUE: NW winds around 5 kt, becoming SW in the afternoon. Seas around 2 ft.
TUE NIGHT: W winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW after midnight. Seas around 2 ft.
WED: N winds around 5 kt, becoming E in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
WED NIGHT: SE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft.
MORE MARINE INFO: Rip current forecast and more
NJ TRAFFIC: If it's in your way, it's in our report
NJ BEACHES: Water quality alerts, jellyfish sightings, and more
Data on this page amalgamated from several sources, including the National Weather Service (weather), National Ocean Service (tides), U.S. Naval Observatory (sun), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (UV index).
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. The Shore Report is generated semi-automatically daily at 5 a.m. from mid-May to late September. Follow Dan's weather blog and Facebook page for your latest forecast and realtime weather updates.
BELMAR — The New Jersey Department of Transportation is defending its oversight of a Jersey Shore drawbridge that will be out of service all summer, the time when traffic in the area is the busiest.Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone blasted state transportation officials fo...
BELMAR — The New Jersey Department of Transportation is defending its oversight of a Jersey Shore drawbridge that will be out of service all summer, the time when traffic in the area is the busiest.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone blasted state transportation officials for lackluster maintenance, saying that could have avoided the full closure of the Shark River Bridge, which connects Avon-by-the-Sea and Belmar.
The 93-year-old crossing closed Friday afternoon to vehicles and pedestrians atfer the the south leaf malfunctioned. It remains in the open position to allow for marine traffic to pass, which it is legally obligated to do. The DOT said its engineers are still assessing the situation to determine a timeline for repairs.
"While we understand that the bridge is nearly a century old, it’s clear that this mechanical failure could have been avoided with consistent preventative maintenance. It’s unfortunate that we are now facing a long-term closure due to a situation that might have been prevented," Arnone said in a statement.
The DOT calls Arnone's assessment of the DOT's maintenance of the bridge "inaccurate."
State officials say the bridge’s electrical and mechanical components are inspected, maintained, and tested monthly. Since 2018, the DOT says it spends $1.5 million annually on preventative maintenance, improvements, and repairs.
"In addition, the bridge is included in two NJDOT preventive maintenance contracts every year. One handles steel/electrical repairs and the other handles concrete/lubrication/in-water work," the DOT said in a statement.
The bridge was rehabbed in 1989, 2011, and 2013. Repairs were made in 2018 and 2019 and the north leaf of the bridge was replaced in 2024.
The NJDOT has a capital project in design to replace the Route 71 Bridge. The final design is expected to begin next year, with construction expected to start in 2028 and complete in 2031.
Route 71/Main Street northbound from Belmar to Avon by the Sea Detour:
Route 71/Main Street southbound from Avon by the Sea to Belmar Detour:
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A line of strong thunderstorms moved across New Jersey on June 19, 2025 that knocked down trees, branches and utility poles in a short amount of time. Read more about the storm here.
Owning a home along the Jersey Shore might be the dream for many New Jersey residents, but that dream can come with a seriously high property tax bill.Three Jersey Shore towns have average tax bills over $20,000, more than double the statewide average of $10,095.Mantolokinghomeowners paid the highest property taxes at the Jersey Shore, with an average payment of $24,422 last year. ...
Owning a home along the Jersey Shore might be the dream for many New Jersey residents, but that dream can come with a seriously high property tax bill.
Three Jersey Shore towns have average tax bills over $20,000, more than double the statewide average of $10,095.
Mantolokinghomeowners paid the highest property taxes at the Jersey Shore, with an average payment of $24,422 last year. Homes in the coastal Ocean County borough have an average value of $2.85 million. (Look up the average property tax bill in every Jersey Shore town below.)
Deal has the highest property values along the coast, with the average house worth $5.45 million. The average property tax bill in the Monmouth County seaside borough was $23,250 last year.
Property taxes are paid at the local level and are used by county, municipal and school governments to help pay for roads, schools and other services. Beach badge sales are supposed to cover the expenses associated with running and maintaining public beaches in Jersey Shore towns.
The towns with the highest property taxes also have the highest beach badge fees. Mantoloking charges $120 for a season badge, and Deal charges $200.
The cheapest town on the shore is Atlantic City, with an average property tax bill of $4,263. The average home in the city is worth about $123,500.
Not only does Atlantic City have the cheapest property taxes, but the average bill actually went down 2.24% between 2023 and 2024.
It’s also the cheapest for day trippers. Atlantic City does not charge for beach access.
Use the chart to look up average property tax bill in every Jersey Shore town:
Can’t see the chart? Click here.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Katie Kausch may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch.
The Route 71 drawbridge linking two Jersey Shore communities will be closed indefinitely for emergency repairs, but is scheduled for replacement starting in 2028, state DOT officials said.The 93-year-old bridge, had a mechanical failure on June 13 that closed it to vehicle and boat traffic.The Shark River channel was reopened to boat traffic on Saturday afternoon, June 14, wh...
The Route 71 drawbridge linking two Jersey Shore communities will be closed indefinitely for emergency repairs, but is scheduled for replacement starting in 2028, state DOT officials said.
The 93-year-old bridge, had a mechanical failure on June 13 that closed it to vehicle and boat traffic.
The Shark River channel was reopened to boat traffic on Saturday afternoon, June 14, when the South Leaf of the bridge was successfully raised and secured with a crane, said Stephen Schapiro, an NJDOT spokesperson.
The bridge linking Belmar and Avon will remain in the fully open position to allow all marine traffic to pass through until the emergency repairs are complete, he said.
The bridge may be periodically lowered and raised to minimize stress on the 93-year old span’s components and to maintain functionality from not leaving the leaf in the upright position, Schapiro said.
Route 71 will remain closed and detoured to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice. Traffic is being detoured to nearby Route 35.
However, NJDOT is working on an estimated $163 million replacement for the old bridge, according to planning documents. Built in 1932, it won a “beautiful bridge” award in 1933 from the American Institute of Steel Construction.
Final design is scheduled to begin next year, with construction expected to start in 2028 and be completed in 2031, Schapiro said.
Until then, the DOT is legally obligated under federal law to allow marine traffic to pass.
NJDOT structural evaluation and draw bridge engineering teams are determining the extent of necessary repairs and designing a permanent fix as quickly as possible, Schapiro said.
This isn’t the first time the bridge had problems.
Last year it had to be left in the open position for two months until crews could get parts and repair the mechanical apparatus that raises and lowers the bridge.
The bridge was repaired and reopened on May 31, 2024, after crews worked through the Memorial Day holiday weekend to install the new parts and test the bridge.
Did you know that the Garden State is the home of the oldest beach town in America? And it's still one of the state's most popular resort towns.Summer at the Jersey Shore is here, and it's time to enjoy beautiful, warm days at the beach and boardwalk.Sign up for the 94.3 The Point NewsletterOne of the wonderful things you can do this summer right here in the Garden State is spend some quality summer time at the oldest beach town in Americ...
Did you know that the Garden State is the home of the oldest beach town in America? And it's still one of the state's most popular resort towns.
Summer at the Jersey Shore is here, and it's time to enjoy beautiful, warm days at the beach and boardwalk.
Sign up for the 94.3 The Point Newsletter
One of the wonderful things you can do this summer right here in the Garden State is spend some quality summer time at the oldest beach town in America, according to a report at Veranda..
If you walk through this town today, you may think you stepped back in time, since it has captured the past and has held onto it in so many ways.
The gorgeous beach town of Cape May will transport you back to the Victorian era while still maintaining a 21st-century feel.
Read More: New Jersey's Best Beach For Couples
But let's spend some time at the beginning of the history of this legendary resort town. The story is amazing.
It was back in 1766 when the first pleasure seekers chose Cape May as a destination for relaxation, and most came from Philadelphia.
According to the official website for Cape May, the town was attracting visitors from New York, Baltimore, and Washington by the 1830s.
As Cape May's popularity grew, so did the town, and it even had visits from Presidents Pierce and Harrison during the mid-19th century.
The town is a celebration of the past, the present, and the future all wrapped into one, and that is why it is still one of America's top beach resort destinations.
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