The summer heat is on and the historic Oceanic Bridge is up.

And there has been no movement of traffic between Rumson and Middletown over the bridge all day. Police in Rumson and Middletown couldn’t offer an estimate as to when the bridge would be passable again, but it’s a familiar issue to them.

The bridge’s bascule span (the moveable piece in the center) often gets stuck in the heat. As a bandaid to a more complex bridge replacement, the double-leaf bascule span was replaced in 2012. The heat, however, has always been its sticking point, literally.

With the record heat and humidity these days, the bridge’s stuck open position is not a surprise to many in the area. Though while no one seems to know when the bridge will close again, it’s likely that a break in the heat, or, perhaps the impending rain, will usher it along.

Built in 1939, the Oceanic Bridge has been in dire need of replacement due to its wear from salt water and a heavier traffic burden than it was designed to accommodate.

The general consensus of area residents is that they’d like to see the classic style of the bridge stay the same, bascule span in tact, as they feel it suits the landscape best.

What was done in 2012? A new bascule span grid deck was constructed and stringers, floor beams supporting steelwork and a catwalk were included. Work to “strengthen structural steel and to repair mechanical and electrical systems” was done, according to Monmouth County records, as was “cleaning and painting of the existing bascule span steel.”

This post will be updated when there is news about the bridge.

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde

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