NJ DOT to provide free shuttle service during Route 71 Shark River Bridge work repairs

Free shuttle bus service begins today as repairs to the Route 71 Draw Bridge over the Shark River continue in Monmouth County.

The Department of Transportation will provide the free shuttles for commuters going to and from Belmar to Avon-by-the-Sea. This is expected to alleviate some of the issues residents and business owners have experienced as the bridge continues to be in the open position and closed to vehicle traffic.

On the Belmar side, the rides begin at the Belmar Train Station and run in a continuous loop, back and forth to Avon until 2 a.m., seven days a week until repairs are completed. There are nine stops, the bus is ADA accessible and has bicycle carrying capability.

DOT says they hope to have the bridge operational again by Memorial Day.

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Here is a complete list of the free shuttle bus stops

Stops in Belmar:

1) West Railroad Ave & 10th Ave (Belmar Train Station)

2) Main Street & 10th Avenue

3) Main Street & 8th Avenue

4) River Road & Main Street

5) West Railroad Avenue & 7th Avenue

Stops in Avon-by-the-Sea:

6) Main Street & Sylvania

7) Main Street & Washington Avenue

8) Jefferson Avenue & Main Street

9) Main Street & Garfield Avenue

Route 71/Main Street remains closed and detoured in both directions. The following detours will remain in place until the repairs are completed:

Route 71/Main Street northbound from Belmar to Avon-by-the-Sea detour:

• Motorists on Route 71/Main Street northbound will be directed to turn left onto 8th Avenue
• Turn right on Route 35 northbound
• Continue over the Route 35/Shark River Bridge and follow signs for Avon by the Sea
• Route 71/Main Street southbound from Avon-by-the-Sea to Belmar Detour:
• Motorists on Route 71/Main Street southbound will be directed to turn right onto Sylvania Avenue
• Stay right and take the ramp to Route 35 South/Belmar
• Take Route 35 over the Shark River Bridge into Belmar
• Turn left onto 8th Avenue and follow to Route 71/Main Street