The Tunney Mathis Bridge Will Have Work Closures Coming Up

Did You Know Who The J. Stanley Tunney Bridge Is Named After?

If you’ve ever driven over the bridge connecting Seaside Heights and Toms River, you’ve probably crossed the J. Stanley Tunney Bridge. But do you know who it was named after?

Joseph Stanley Tunney was a former Seaside Heights resident and mayor.

The bridge carries westbound Route 37 traffic across Barnegat Bay, connecting the barrier islands with the mainland.

The bridge was built to help handle the growing traffic heading to the Jersey Shore after World War II. Construction began in 1970, and the bridge opened in December 1972. Hard to believe this Jersey Shore landmark is now more than 50 years old!

There’s also some upcoming work drivers should know about.

According to Patch, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has scheduled overnight testing of the lift bridge beginning at 9 p.m. on October 28 and continuing until 5 a.m. on October 29. Drivers can expect temporary 15-minute stoppages during testing.

If you’re heading home from the Shore or traveling along Route 37 that night, be sure to slow down, use caution, and allow yourself some extra time.

Nobody likes unexpected delays, especially when you’re trying to get where you’re going!

Ever wonder how many vehicles travel over the Tunney-Mathis bridges each year? An NJDOT traffic count recorded nearly 23,000 vehicles a day on a nearby stretch of Route 37. That could add up to more than 8 million vehicle trips a year!

When summer rolls around, you know how busy things can get heading to and from the Jersey Shore.”