The Route 44 Bridge over Mantua Creek between West Deptford and Paulsboro, Gloucester County was taken out of service for marine traffic today because of excessive heat. Route 44/Crown Point Road remains open for vehicles.
The excessive heat has caused the expansion of some components on the bridge, which prohibits the bridge from opening to allow marine traffic to pass. In the closed position, the bridge has 2 feet of clearance over mean high water. Vessels that can transit safely under the bridge may do so. The United States Coast Guard has been notified.
The closure of the bridge to marine traffic is expected to last until 7 a.m. Saturday, July 18 when conditions are forecasted to improve. If conditions improve earlier, the bridge may resume normal operations for marine traffic sooner.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.