The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is currently considering the fate of the historic Glimmer Glass Bridge.

History of the Glimmer Glass Bridge

The Glimmer Glass Bridge was built 122 years ago and the 34’ drawbridge was installed 78 years ago. The unique rolling counterweight design, which originated in 19th century France, features a drawbridge lifted by a pair of cables connected to a counterweight that runs along an elliptical track. The bridge is architecturally significant as it exemplifies advances in moveable bridge technology for transportation of vehicles over navigable water ways. It is the only bridge of its type in the USA. The bridge was entered on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Current Threatened Status of this Historic Treasure

Now it is in danger of being torn down for a new larger bridge. This year the County has re-started a process to consider actions to replace or repair the bridge. Because the bridge is on the historic register, the process involves a series of public meetings, now on-going. To date, over 2,000 people have signed the petition in support of saving the Glimmer Glass Bridge. Most of the signers are Manasquan and Brielle residents, but signers also include people from 20 other States.

Since $3 million in repairs were recently done, completing the repairs will save a great deal of money and time and will avoid losing this Historic Treasure. An engineering report by a nationally recognized authority on timber-bridge restoration showed this indeed could be done. This puts a new light on the project. It means that the bridge does not have to be replaced, but can be repaired.

Public Safety

The bridge has been a safe crossing for 122 years.  As per FHWA, Office of Project Development & Environmental Review, the 20’ road width on the bascule span is a traffic calming device.  A wider span would encourage faster speeds which may well result in the increased likelihood of accidents.  

Studies published by Rutgers Transportation Policy Institute found that wider roads lead to higher speeds and the Institute of Transportation Engineers found that an increase of traffic speed of 10 MPH, from 20-30 MPH,  was associated with 7.6 times the risk of pedestrian injury. A wider bridge would be less safe.

The Glimmer Glass Bridge is one of 3 bridges that serve less than one mile of Manasquan’s beachfront. 

Repairing the current Glimmer Glass Bridge will ensure this historical treasure is preserved for future generations, and will continue to be safe, and will preserve the delicate, pristine environment of the Glimmer Glass ecosystem.

More public support is required to prevent the loss of this historic treasure. Please help save the Glimmer Glass Bridge by signing this petition.