Atlantic City's ‘Second Bridge’ in Venice Park Reopens Ahead of Schedule, Marking a Major Milestone for the Community

The Ohio Avenue Bridge, affectionately known as the "Second Bridge" in Atlantic City's Venice Park neighborhood, has officially reopened ahead of schedule, much to the relief and excitement of local residents. The bridge, which spans the Venice Lagoon, underwent a massive reconstruction project that began in August 2023, with initial expectations set for a two-year timeline. However, thanks to diligent work and coordination, the project was completed in just a year and a half, allowing both vehicle and pedestrian traffic to return to normal far sooner than anticipated.

The bridge, built in 1969, was completely rebuilt with the use of concrete-filled steel pipes replacing deteriorating timber pile bents. The newly reconstructed structure also includes a shared bike lane, sidewalks on both sides, and reinforced steel sheet pile bulkheads at its base, enhancing its durability for decades to come. Throughout the reconstruction process, the bridge was never completely closed, and traffic was alternated using a single lane with temporary signals. Emergency repairs in 2021 helped stabilize the bridge until the full reconstruction could take place.

Mayor Marty Small, Sr. expressed his pride in delivering on his promise to the Venice Park community, noting that while previous administrations had only patched up the bridges, this project completely rebuilt them from the ground up. He thanked the local community for their patience, recognizing that, despite the inconvenience of detours, there were no complaints.

City Engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe also praised the project’s success, highlighting the teamwork between contractors, engineers, and the Venice Park community itself. The project, which cost $6.85 million, was funded by American Rescue Plan funds and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), with no cost to taxpayers. The project was completed under budget, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of all parties involved.

In November 2022, the “First Bridge” in the same area was also completed, marking another significant achievement for the city’s infrastructure improvement efforts. These two successful projects exemplify the city's commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents and ensuring the longevity of critical infrastructure.

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