UPDATE: Route 37 Bridges Deemed Safe, DOT Says

Both the Route 37 eastbound Thomas A. Mathis Bridge and the Route 37 westbound J. Stanley Tunney Bridge are safe, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The eastbound bridge, however, had damaged bridge bearings which will require repair.

The eastbound bridge remains closed to traffic because of security concerns and public safety issues on the Seaside Heights side of the bridge, not because of the damage to the bearings, the DOT says.

Details on the repair work necessary and time frame for the eastbound bridge to be reopened will be provided as they become available.

Both spans have been inspected for damage incurred from Hurricane Sandy. Both bridges have been determined to be structurally sound and fit to safely remain in operation, said sokesman Tim Greeley.

Emergency responders and vehicles are being allowed eastbound access using a "contraflow" lane on the westbound bridge.