Stone Harbor officials have received a detailed update on Cape May County’s timeline for replacing the historic 96th Street Bridge—a vital gateway in and out of the borough.
Borough Administrator Joseph Clark noted that large-scale infrastructure projects like this face complex regulatory hurdles, which have contributed to delays. Still, progress is underway.
🗓️ Key Milestones Ahead:
- Oct. 1, 2025: Target date to secure the bridge permit
- Nov. 1, 2025: Expected concurrence from the Department of Transportation
- Mar. 1, 2026: Anticipated approval from the State Comptroller and finalization of an Infrastructure Bank grant
- Apr. 2026: Bids advertised
- Aug. 1, 2026: Bid submissions due
- Sept. 2026: Tentative start of construction
Construction will run from September 2026 to May 2027, with minimal impact on traffic since work will occur outside the footprint of the existing bridge. By fall 2027 or winter, a temporary fixed-span bridge will be ready for vehicle use. However, it won’t open for boats—only vessels that can clear the fixed height will be able to pass underneath.
The timeline for completing a permanent bridge that accommodates maritime traffic is still to be determined. Clark assured residents that updates will be shared as the project advances. The county’s Comprehensive Bridge Replacement and Improvement Plan underscores the urgency of replacing the aging span while maintaining its current functionality.
