Local Traffic: Point Boro Route 88 Canal Bridge to Close Overnight Wed. and Thurs.

Point Borough's Route 88 canal bridge will be closed Wednesday and Thursday nights, according to the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

The bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. Wednesday to about 6 a.m. Thursday, reopen during the day Thursday, and then close at 9 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday, the DOT said in a prepared statement on Monday afternoon.

"Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information," says DOT.

The closures are necessary for continued maintenance on the electrical system of the vertical-lift bridge, according to the DOT. Waterway traffic will not be impeded.

The DOT will utilize variable message signs on Route 88 to alert motorists of the bridge closures and detour. The following detours will be in place during the closures:

•        Route 88 eastbound motorists will take Beaver Dam Road (CR 630) to Bridge Avenue east over the Lovelandtown Bridge to Bay Avenue to Route 88 eastbound.

•        Route 88 westbound motorists will take Bay Avenue to Bridge Avenue west over the Lovelandtown Bridge to Beaver Dam Road to Route 88 westbound.

The Point Borough bridge is the second DOT bridge project resulting in closures. The bridges to and from Seaside also have lane closures throughout the day for repair and maintenance projects on both spans.