Mathis Bridge overhaul begins October 30

Theoretically, this won't be a big hassle. Nonetheless, be prepared for traffic snarls on eastbound Route 37 at the Mathis Bridge starting the night of October 30, when deck replacement starts on the span.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), traffic will be routed to the Tunney Bridge alongside, turning it into a two-way span.

One lane runs eastbound and two westbound, unless circumstances demand re-situating the moveable barriers. For example, if evacuation of the island is required, all lanes of the Tunney would revert to the westbound direction.

Heading toward the northern barrier island, eastbound Route 37 will be blocked off at Douglas Street, funnelling traffic into one lane to access the Tunney Bridge. The Douglas Street jughandle remains open.

Big rig drivers, take note - no wide loads will be allowed to cross the Tunney Bridge for the duration of the project. Drivers are required to get permits and alternate-route instructions from NJDOT. The department's overside load information is listed on the NJDOT trucking web page.

Boat operators, you're in this too - there are to be no Mathis Bridge openings for marine traffic from December 1 of this year until March 15, 2016.

The span will remain a drawbridge, with a completely new deck to replace the one that's been in place since 1950, along with barrier and railing upgrades and mechanical and electrical repairs for the lift span.

Construction in the $74 million dollar overhaul is expected to be completed by summer 2018. Full closures of the Mathis are limited to the time frame from November 1 until April 30 each year. No construction work is planned between May 15 and September 15 in any of the three cycles.

You can stay apprised of progress by emailing the Project Community Outreach Team, DOT-Route37Mathis.outreach@dot.nj.gov. The project hotline is 732-230-7356.